A Royal Attraction: Lady Louise and the King’s “Hot Equerry”
At just 22 years old, Lady Louise Windsor is no stranger to the spotlight. However, her recent appearance at the Royal Windsor Horse Show has sparked a new kind of interest — not for her royal status, but for the man sitting beside her.
The event took place in Windsor Home Park on May 15, where Lady Louise and Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson were seen seated side by side, clearly enjoying each other’s company. Their presence at the show was a highlight of the evening, with both appearing engaged in the performances and each other’s conversation.
Dressed in a Holland Cooper Fair Isle knit, Lady Louise looked delighted as she shared animated discussions and laughter with Thompson, who was also present alongside King Charles III and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh. The pair’s chemistry was evident, making their seating arrangement all the more intriguing.
But who exactly is this man who has captured the attention of both the royal family and the public? Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson, known as the King’s “hot equerry,” has become a notable figure within the palace. His journey to fame began in September 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Clips of Thompson, often seen wearing a kilt while accompanying royal processions, started circulating online, leading to an unexpected surge in popularity.
One particular TikTok video featuring Thompson went viral, amassing millions of views. Viewers searched for variations of “man in green kilt behind Queen’s coffin” in an attempt to identify him. This fascination only grew during the coronation of King Charles in 2023, when Thompson gained internet-appointed titles such as “hot equerry.” His appeal extended beyond royal watchers, even attracting the attention of figures like Martha Stewart.
According to reports from The Times, Thompson has since transitioned into a more executive role within the palace, though he remains senior equerry to the King and Queen. A palace source confirmed that he now serves in a less public-facing capacity. Despite this shift, it seems the internet — and now Lady Louise — still finds him hard to ignore.
Thompson, a member of the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, previously served as one of Queen Elizabeth’s most senior bodyguards before becoming King Charles’ Super Equerry. There have been reports suggesting that he never particularly enjoyed the level of public attention that followed his unexpected online fame.
For those wondering why Lady Louise chose to sit next to Thompson, it might simply be because he is an intriguing and charismatic figure. Whether it’s his military background, his unexpected popularity, or just the natural curiosity of a young royal, there’s no denying that Thompson has made a lasting impression.
As the royal family continues to navigate the balance between tradition and modernity, figures like Thompson remind us that even within the strict confines of the palace, there is room for connection and admiration. And for Lady Louise, it seems that being close to the King’s “hot equerry” is just another part of the royal experience.
