Former Foreign Office cat Palmerston dies in Bermuda

Palmerston, the well-known former “chief mouser” of the Foreign Office, has passed away in Bermuda. His death was confirmed via a post on his social media account, which paid tribute to the cat as a “diplocat extraordinaire” who “passed away peacefully on 12 February.” Palmerston had been living in Bermuda following a diplomatic role serving as a “feline relations consultant (semi-retired) to the new Governor of Bermuda.”

The black-and-white cat, named after the 19th-century Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister Viscount Palmerston, began his diplomatic service in 2016. He was a familiar figure at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, often seen exploring its corridors and grounds. During the Covid pandemic, Palmerston left the central London office and formally retired from his official duties in 2020. At the time, a letter addressed to Lord Simon McDonald, then the highest-ranking civil servant at the Foreign Office, humorously described Palmerston’s transition to a quieter life, enjoying climbing trees and patrolling the fields around his new home. The letter noted, “I have found life away from the frontline relaxed, quieter and easier.”

In early 2025, Palmerston was brought out of retirement for a new overseas post nearly 3,500 miles away in Bermuda. His social media announcement indicated that he had accepted the position by the island’s governor, Andrew Murdoch, with whom Palmerston had been living since retiring. His return to diplomacy was met with enthusiasm by many of his 99,000 followers online. A post reflecting on Palmerston’s time in Bermuda described him as “a special member of the Government House team” and “a much loved family member” whose gentle nature made him a wonderful companion.

Among those leading the tributes was Larry, the chief mouser at Number 10 Downing Street, who, as Palmerston’s former rival, wished him farewell. Larry has a long tenure himself, marking 15 years in his role this weekend and having served under six prime ministers. The two cats were known for a widely publicized rivalry while both were active in Westminster, engaging in several notable spats as they patrolled governmental grounds. Larry’s unofficial social media account simply posted, “Farewell old friend x,” reflecting a respectful goodbye to Palmerston

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