King Charles close aide quits royal role days after Meghan Markle, Harry's UK return, palace confirms

A royal expert has revealed that a close aide of King Charles is leaving his role in the royal household and also quit the British Army at the end of the year.

The palace has confirmed the news days after Meghan Markle and Prince Harry moved back to Britain with their children Archie and Lilibet.

Royal expert Roya Nikkhah took to X, formerly Twitter handle and tweeted, “NEW - Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson, the King and Queen’s senior equerry, will leave his role in the royal household and leave the British Army at the end of the year, after nearly 22 years military service.”

The royal expert said, “Jonny is leaving to pursue a career in the private sector.”

Roya Nikkhah also quoted Palace spokesman as saying: “Their Majesties were of course aware of this plan in advance and I know they are most grateful to Jonny for his support over the past seven years and wish him all the best for the future.”

The popular equerry, who went viral multiple times after his appearances with the Royal Family, has made the decision after he and his wife, Olivia, welcomed a daughter in May.

The couple tied the knot the previous summer, and he has a son with his ex-wife, Caroline Thompson.

Meghan and Harry returned to Britain last week.