Palmerston, the chief mouser at the Foreign Office, passes away at 12
Palmerston, the beloved chief mouser at the Foreign Office, has died at the age of 12, as No 10’s cat Larry leads the tributes, reports BritPanorama.
The black-and-white cat, a rescue from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, passed away in Bermuda after retiring in 2020. Serving as the chief mouser for four years, Palmerston became a staple in the corridors of Whitehall.
A post on Palmerston’s X account confirmed the news, stating, “Palmerston, Diplocat extraordinaire, passed away peacefully on 12 February. ‘Palmy’ was a special member of the Government House team in Bermuda, and a much-loved family member.” His gentle nature and companionship will be sorely missed.
Tributes have begun to pour in, notably from Larry, the chief mouser at the Cabinet Office, who simply remarked, “Farewell old friend x” on his social media page. Despite their long-running feud during their time together in power, Larry’s tribute indicates mutual respect.
Labour MP Sarah Champion also expressed her condolences via X, writing, “RIP.” This reflects the widespread affection for Palmerston among the public and political figures alike.
Upon his retirement, Palmerston’s letter to Sir Simon McDonald, permanent under-secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, indicated his desire to spend more time away from the limelight, particularly after enjoying his “working from home” arrangement during the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted, “I have found life away from the front line relaxed, quieter, and easier,” showcasing his engagement with the public through his popular Twitter account.
In a farewell testament, Jon Benjamin, director of the Diplomatic Academy at the Foreign Office, reminisced about Palmerston’s presence, recalling moments that united staff with humour, such as the slightly chewed dead mouse left beside his desk.
Meanwhile, Larry marked a milestone of 15 years in his role at Downing Street over the weekend, having overseen six prime ministers during his tenure. This highlights the continuing tradition of feline companions in British politics, reflecting a unique aspect of the nation’s political culture.
Palmerston’s legacy endures as a symbol of warmth within the often austere environment of government, leaving behind fond memories cherished by staff and the public.
As the role of such creatures in political settings continues to amuse and endear, they also serve as gentle reminders of the warmth that can exist within the corridors of power.
