Prince William’s Right-Hand Man Rob Dixon Announces Departure from Role in Emotional Post: ‘It’s the Right Thing To Do’

Prince William’s right-hand man and royal equerry is stepping down after four years of service.

Lieutenant Commander Rob Dixon, who was first appointed to the royal household in 2020, shared in an emotional LinkedIn post that it was “time to move on” from his role.

“I’ve had the most incredible opportunity to serve in a role that not only challenged me, but allowed me to grow, to learn and to make meaningful contributions alongside a talented and passionate team,” Dixon wrote on Nov. 29 alongside photos of him with Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince George, Prince Harry and other royals.

“I am immensely grateful for the support, collaboration and friendships formed during these last four years. It’s been a remarkable journey, and I look forward to carrying the skills and insights I’ve gained into my next appointments,” he continued.

Dixon highlighted the opportunity to play “a small part” in the April 2021 funeral of Prince Philip, the June 2022 Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth and the monarch’s funeral three months later, the May 2023 coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla and “all the weird and wonderful in between!” he wrote.

“There were engagements when our whole Household was involved, every single person, and there were times when I was quite rightly standing alone, calling the shots and backing the shots I’d taken,” he added. “It’s now time to swap the top hat and tails for ‘daily working rig’ once again, and it’s the right thing to do.”

The Daily Mail reported that Dixon is leaving his role as equerry to return to his post in the Royal Navy, where he has served for nearly 24 years. Equerries are officers from one of the three branches of the Armed Forces who are chosen to assist senior royals in their respective royal duties, from organizing their public engagements to arranging their official schedules. Around six equerries work in the Royal Household at any given time and are appointments generally lasting about three years. For context, Dixon has served for over four years, following his appointment in September 2020. 

Famously, Captain Peter Townsend was equerry to King George VI, though he was perhaps more known for his relationship with King George VI’s younger daughter, Princess Margaret.

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“An Equerry’s role is finite, and handing over to an enthusiastic fresh set of eyes is all part of the process,” Dixon’s post continued. “The aim of any military role should be to serve, lead and support your team, strive for success, then move onwards and upwards. I’m excited to do just that.”

Dixon joined the team when William and Kate were still the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and helped them through the transition as they became Prince and Princess of Wales in September 2022 following the death of Queen Elizabeth.

“I will be forever grateful to everyone who played their part alongside me in ‘Team Cambridge’ and ‘Team Wales,’ and also to my superb Principals,” Dixon concluded his post, referring to Prince William and Princess Kate, both 42. “I wish you all fair winds and following seas.”

Prince William’s new equerry is Squadron Leader Mike Reynolds, a trained helicopter pilot who has served in the Royal Air Force.