King Charles and Queen Camilla have officially arrived in Rome for a historic state visit to meet Pope Leo at the Vatican. Yet, it wasn’t the monarchs who captured the most attention—it was someone else entirely who once again captivated royal followers.

The Return of Johnny – The Viral Equerry

The ever-popular figure known simply as “Johnny” has reclaimed the spotlight. Frequently seen at the King’s side during official engagements, his presence during this state visit has set social media buzzing once again.

Johnny, who often appears impeccably dressed and composed, has developed a loyal online following, with royal watchers repeatedly commenting on his striking appearance and enigmatic presence.

Who Is ‘Johnny’?

Although widely referred to as Johnny, his full name is Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Thompson. He has served His Majesty for several years, regularly appearing at key royal occasions. Even though he has taken on more discreet responsibilities at times, royal enthusiasts still manage to spot him accompanying the King.

His Role Within the Royal Household

Thompson holds the position of the King’s equerry and was elevated to the prestigious role of “super” equerry in 2022.

Historically, an equerry was a high-ranking officer responsible for the care of a royal’s horses—the term deriving from the same root as “equestrian.” Today, the position has evolved into that of a senior personal aide, typically from a military background, who acts as a trusted assistant and companion to the monarch. As a super equerry, Thompson holds one of the most senior roles of its kind.

Why Jonathan Thompson Keeps Going Viral

The answer is simple: his distinguished and handsome presence in uniform continually draws admiration. Serving in the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, he is sometimes seen wearing a kilt for ceremonial duties, adding to the intrigue and appeal.

Thompson first caught public attention in 2018 while serving as a bodyguard to the late Queen Elizabeth II. He later went viral again when photographed accompanying the Queen’s coffin as it was taken to lie in state—an image viewed millions of times on social media.

With the popularity of fictional shows like The Bodyguard, it seems royal fans have found a real-life counterpart to admire. And for those wondering—yes, he is married. His wedding to Olivia Lewis was covered by society magazine Tatler.