Britain’s former top feline diplomat, Palmerston, has returned to the public eye for a new role, taking on the position of chief feline representative in Bermuda.
Palmerston, known as the former chief mouser at the U.K. Foreign Office, has come out of retirement more than four years after his exit from public service. At the time, he retired to a quieter life in the countryside.
The cat’s return to the spotlight was announced on his official DiploMog account on X (formerly Twitter), revealing that Palmerston is now working as a “feline relations consultant (semi-retired)” to the newly appointed Governor of Bermuda, Andrew Murdoch, a diplomat who adopted Palmerston after his retirement.
Palmerston’s message on social media read, “Diplomacy and a purr-fect role have lured me out of retirement,” and shared that he had been busy meeting the friendly locals in Bermuda.
The Foreign Office stated that Palmerston will only attend meetings he finds important, offering his advice when needed and enjoying plenty of well-deserved naps.
Palmerston, named after the longest-serving British Foreign Secretary, Lord Palmerston, began his government role in April 2016 as a rescue cat. He quickly became a beloved figure at the Foreign Office, where staff adored him and showered him with treats. In return, he occasionally brought them gifts of dead mice.
Palmerston’s diplomatic relations with Larry, the resident cat at 10 Downing Street, were not always friendly. The two were occasionally spotted fighting in the street outside the British Prime Minister’s residence.
Larry, however, still holds the prestigious title of “Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office,” a role he has maintained since 2011, serving under six different prime ministers.
