Why has Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Thompson, once hailed as the "hot equerry" on social media, been reassigned to a less public-facing role within the royal household? Lieutenant Colonel Thompson rose to prominence following his distinguished service as one of the late Queen's senior bodyguards, capturing public attention with his striking appearance.
However, his unintentional fame reached new heights during Charles's coronation, where he was a notable presence alongside the royal family. Despite regularly accompanying the king and participating in significant events like the Christmas Day procession at Sandringham, Lieutenant Colonel Thompson was conspicuously absent from Charles's recent meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Sources within the palace have revealed that Lieutenant Colonel Thompson will maintain his senior equerry position to the king and queen but will transition to a more behind-the-scenes role. As an equerry, he previously assisted the royal family with public engagements and ceremonial duties, including overseeing the monarch's carriages and accompanying him to official events. However, it's speculated that Lieutenant Colonel Thompson's discomfort with the public attention he garnered at high-profile events led to this shift. Now, he will focus on aiding the monarch with private matters and carrying out his duties away from the public eye.
This reassignment has drawn comparisons to Prince Harry's decision to step back from royal duties while still retaining certain privileges. Meghan Markle reportedly opposes the idea of Prince Harry relinquishing his royal title, fearing potential repercussions for their status. Concerns have arisen about the couple's intentions following their recent website update, which prominently features their royal titles despite their earlier decision to distance themselves from royal duties. Analysts suggest that Prince Harry pursuing US citizenship could jeopardize his royal title, creating a dilemma for the couple. While Meghan acquired her title through marriage, any action that risks their royal status may be met with resistance from her.
In the midst of these discussions, Prince Harry recently spoke out about his father's cancer diagnosis, hinting at the possibility of a reconciliation within the royal family. When asked about the potential for reconciliation, Prince Harry expressed optimism, indicating a willingness to mend familial rifts despite past tensions.
