King Charles makes a historic move and appoints first ever female equerry: Who is Captain Kat Anderson?

King Charles has barely been out of the hospital after his enlarged prostate operation and his schedule already is busy enough to ‘keep up with him.’ While it’s not certain when he will be back to work in full swing, he's preparing to make things seamless for him when he does.

The monarch who is known for his revolutionary ways to change and modernise the monarchy, has done it once again with his new move: the King has appointed a new equerry - a position previously held by Lt Col Johnny Thompson.

King Charles hires first-ever female equerry in a history-making move

According to Tatler, the monarch has appointed his first female equerry at the palace in a historic move. Captain Kat Anderson - who has previously served as Rishi Sunak’s aide - was personally interviewed by King Charles before bagging the big role.

The 33-year-old Captain will now be an officer with the Royal Artillery and is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the role. She has also worked as an assistant private secretary to National Security Advisers Sir Stephen Lovegrove and Sir Tim Barrow. Her impressive background caught the attention of the monarch and hence she was appointed as the new equerry.

Previously the role was held by Lieutenant Col Johnny Thompson who has now been promoted to senior equerry and will take on more executive role at the Palace. His role as equerry will be taken over by Lieutenant Commander Will Thornton, a 37-year-old Royal Navy helicopter pilot and Captain Anderson will be his new No2.

Lieutenant Commander Will Thornton’s appointment as the successor for Lieutenant Col Johnny Thompson is another break from the Royal tradition. Usually, the pattern sees an officer from the Royal Air Force taking on the role.

Who is Captain Kat Anderson and what will be her role?

Born in 1991, Captain Kat Anderson hails from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and will be accompanying the 75-year-old monarch on official duties and overseas tours. Captain Anderson joined the King's team last month on secondment from 10 Downing Street and the Cabinet Office. As an assistant equerry, she will become the ‘eyes and ears’ of the King - a crucial role that involves close proximity to the monarch during various engagements.

Equerry is essentially an officer from one of the armed services, reports Metro News. An equerry usually spends three years in the role as they assist the monarch in public duties. Previously the equerries have also been in charge of Queen Elizabeth II’s treasured horses. They are also expected to look after the carriages, coaches and Rolls-Royces used at state ceremonies like Coronation, Trooping the Colour and more.

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Sources Used

Tatler: Captain Kat Anderson appointed as first female equerry at the palace in historic move by King Charles

Metro News: What is an equerry to the Queen or King and who is Charles III’s now?