Sir Thomas Watson was Professor of Medicine at Kings College, London and later President of the Royal College of Physicians.

He was appointed physician extraordinary to the Queen in 1859, and as such, in conjunction with Sir William Jenner and Sir Henry Holland, was called into medical attendance on Prince Albert in his last illness. He was created a baronet in 1866, and was appointed physician in ordinary to the Queen in 1870.

He died at Reigate Lodge , Surrey on 11 December 1882.