This horse has kissed more soldiers than any general, and after nearly two decades of devoted service, Thomas the elegant but incredibly lovable army horse is finally saying goodbye, leaving behind memories of warmth, loyalty, and unforgettable ceremonial presence today.

After nearly twenty years in the Royal Cavalry Regiment, Thomas made his final farewell parade, surrounded by proud salutes, warm embraces from soldiers, and his famous wet kisses that charmed everyone who stood along the ceremonial route with deep emotion.

Known throughout the barracks as the regiment’s biggest flirt, Thomas never cared about rank or status, responding only to kindness, especially Polo mints or apples, after which he would eagerly offer affectionate kisses to anyone nearby without hesitation or restraint.

“Thomas is a true flirt,” soldier Nicholas Baines laughed. “Recently I’ve received more kisses from him than from any girl. We will all miss him deeply as he leaves behind such joyful memories among everyone in the regiment forever cherished.”

Throughout his distinguished career, Thomas contributed to some of the United Kingdom’s most iconic ceremonial moments, including Trooping the Colour, State Opening of Parliament, royal celebrations, royal weddings, and even the unforgettable London Olympics ceremonies across generations of service history.

Beneath ceremonial attire, Thomas was known for his calm temperament, remarkable kindness, and complete reliability, making him one of the most trusted horses within the regiment during both routine duties and high-profile public appearances over many demanding ceremonial years steadfast.

Captain Charlie FitzRoy, who trained on Thomas’s back after returning from Afghanistan, described the experience as surprisingly grounding, saying the horse’s steady presence helped him rebuild confidence during demanding post-deployment ceremonial training exercises far more than he expected initially even.

That training course was brutal; honestly, Afghanistan felt easier in comparison, but Thomas remained steady, kind, and dependable, helping me get through every difficult moment with quiet patience and unwavering calm support that I will always remember clearly and fondly.

He became the go-to horse for new riders within the regiment, known for his patience, gentle temperament, and remarkable ability to forgive even the most inexperienced mistakes made during early training sessions earning trust from every nervous beginner quickly and easily.

While stationed at Horse Guards Parade, Thomas quietly became one of the most beloved animals among visitors from all over the world, who were captivated by his gentle nature and affectionate interactions during ceremonial duties every single day there present.

Now, Thomas begins a well-deserved retirement in the green fields of Berkshire, alongside his longtime farrier and close friend Michael Woods, where he will enjoy freedom, rest, and peaceful grazing after years of dedicated service finally at true peace here.

Free to graze and rest, Thomas embraces a peaceful new life, living fully according to his natural instincts as a horse, surrounded by open countryside and the quiet rhythms of rural Berkshire where he can simply be himself now freely.

After all these years of loyal service, one thing remains certain: Thomas may have left his duty behind, but the warmth, personality, and countless memories he created will never be forgotten by those who knew him across many generations forever.

Soldiers who served alongside Thomas often speak about him with deep affection, recalling how his gentle behavior during parades and training brought calmness even during the most stressful ceremonial preparations that required absolute focus and discipline from everyone involved together.

Visitors from around the world who encountered Thomas at ceremonial events frequently described him as uniquely charming, noting how he seemed to connect with people instantly through gentle gestures and friendly behavior regardless of language or background differences whatsoever present.

For many young and inexperienced riders, Thomas served as the ideal training partner, helping them build confidence through his calm responses, steady movements, and forgiving nature during early riding lessons that often marked their very first experience with horses professionally.

His presence in major royal ceremonies added a sense of tradition and dignity, with Thomas performing his duties flawlessly during events that were broadcast to millions across the United Kingdom and beyond leaving lasting impressions on viewers everywhere at home.

Even under pressure during large-scale public events, Thomas remained remarkably calm, never showing signs of stress, which made him an essential and trusted member of the ceremonial cavalry team that relied on precision timing and disciplined coordination every single time.

During his final farewell parade, emotions were visibly high as soldiers, officers, and visitors gathered to honor Thomas’s long and distinguished service with heartfelt respect and admiration celebrating a career that had touched so many lives across the country deeply.

Beyond his formal duties, Thomas was known for his playful personality and affectionate nature, often surprising handlers and soldiers alike with unexpected moments of charm and gentle humor that lightened even the most serious working days within the regiment significantly.

Many riders recall their first experience with Thomas as transformative, noting how quickly they learned to trust him and how he responded patiently to every instruction given making the learning process smoother than they expected at the beginning initially challenging.

Thomas leaves behind a lasting legacy within the Royal Cavalry Regiment, remembered not only for his service but also for the warmth and character he brought to every occasion that will continue to inspire those who served with him closely.

In retirement, Thomas is expected to enjoy a peaceful life filled with grazing, rest, and companionship, far removed from the structured demands of ceremonial duties and public appearances that once defined his remarkable working years so clearly remembered now still.

His longtime farrier, Michael Woods, who worked closely with Thomas throughout his career, expressed deep affection for the horse, describing him as a true companion and friend who was always dependable in every working situation without exception over time consistently.

Now retired in the countryside of Berkshire, Thomas begins a new chapter of life, carrying with him a legacy of service, affection, and unforgettable memories that will endure for years to come long after his formal service ended peacefully now.