Who is Prince Williams’ equerry, Lieutenant Commander Rob Dixon?
LIEUTENANT Commander Rob Dixon is Prince William’s right-hand man.
But who is he and what does the role as an equerry involve? Here’s what we know about the Navy man.
Who is Prince Williams’ equerry, Lieutenant Commander Rob Dixon?
Lieutenant Commander Rob Dixon was appointed to the Royal Household as an equerry for Prince William and Princess Kate in September 2020.
His first title was Royal Equerry to HRH the Duke of Cambridge.
After Queen Elizabeth II died in 2022, Lieutenant Commander Dixon’s title changed to Equerry to TRH the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Lieutenant Commander Dixon has worked for the Royal Navy for 23 years where he has spent his entire career.
Dixon went to school at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School in Buckinghamshire before joining the Royal Navy.
He worked his way up through the ranks of the Navy, with an impressive list of roles.
Most recently, he worked as a Helicopter Instructor between 2017 and 2020.
As the Prince and Princess of Wales’ equerry, Dixon has accompanied the royals to a number of official events and occasions.
He accompanied the royal couple to the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle and the vigil held in honour of the late Queen at Westminster Hall in 2022.
Dixon was also pictured alongside Prince William at a couple of 2023 Rugby World Cup matches.
What is an equerry?
An equerry is an officer of a royal household or court, who acts as a personal assistant to members of the royal family.
The role is usually held by a senior officer from one of the armed services, and is typically held for three years.
It is thought that the royals choose their equerries themselves.
They are relatively rarely required for duty, but equerry attendance can be called upon if necessary.
King Charles III’s equerry is Major Jonathan Thompson.
Other working members of the Royal Family are also able to appoint equerries.
King George VI’s equerry Peter Townsend famously had a forbidden love affair with the late Princess Margaret, a relationship dramatised in hit Netflix series The Crown.
What does an equerry do?
Historically, an equerry was an officer in charge of the stables of a member of the royal family.
Today, the position is held by the Crown Equerry, who manages the Royal Mews, and holds a distinct office.
The equerry role dates back to the 18th century and has only been held by men, so far.
The role of an equerry involves being in regular close attendance within both the royal residence and outside on public engagements.
Beyond assisting in royal duties, the equerry is the monarch’s “eyes and ears”.