He is usually seen in public wearing a kilt and uniform, just a few steps behind the king.
But yesterday Charles' dashing stablemaster, Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson, was dressed casually in a hoodie and trainers – strolling down a London street with his new love.
Despite winning an army of female fans at the coronation, the 40-year-old soldier only had eyes for Olivia Lewis, 33, a well-connected PR manager, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
The couple have been together for a year and are said to be “well suited to each other and very happy.”
Last year, Thompson received the seal of approval from social bible Tatler, which placed him third on its annual Social Power Index list.
The King's equerry, Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson, was spotted in a hoodie and trainers – strolling down a London street with his new love Olivia Lewis
Thompson was promoted last year and became Charles' right-hand man, or “super stable master.”
The magazine wrote: “Within the palace walls, the king’s equerry wields his unique brand of quiet, charming power.”
Not lacking in royal connections herself, Ms Lewis met Thompson – whose marriage ended almost two years ago – while working for Charles and Camilla.
Her father is Simon Lewis, once the Queen's head of communications and the man credited with “saving” her reputation in the aftermath of Princess Diana's death. He moved from Palace to No.10 and became former prime minister Gordon Brown's spin doctor.
Olivia's uncle is former Daily Telegraph editor Sir Will Lewis, now editor and managing director of The Washington Post.
Following his appearance at the coronation and other high-profile engagements, Thompson caused a stir on social media and was dubbed “Major Eye Candy” and “Hot Equerry.”
Following his appearance at the coronation and other high-profile engagements, Thompson caused a stir on social media and was dubbed “Major Eye Candy” and “Hot Equerry.”
Also popular with the King and Queen, he was promoted last year to become Charles' right-hand man, or “super stable master.” He accompanied her at the head of the royal family procession to Sandringham Church on Christmas Day. However, from now on his role will be more limited to the office, meaning he will be seen less in public as he helps organize the king's private affairs.
He serves in the 5th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and the decision to extend his secondment from the army to allow him to remain in the royal household was seen as a sign of how highly he is valued.
He once recalled being invited to Balmoral by the late Queen, telling the BBC: “One evening my wife and I were invited to one of the bothies (huts) on the estates to dine with Her Majesty.”
“She immediately started making the salad dressing, setting the table and the evening ended with me doing the dishes next to her, which is a fond memory.”
Thompson married a marketing manager in 2010 who is 12 years older than London-based Ms Lewis.
Because of his Army career, they lived in at least seven houses.