Palmerston, former Foreign Office chief mouser, dies in Bermuda

Tributes have been paid to the beloved cat who took the unique role of ‘feline relations consultant (semi-retired) to the new Governor of Bermuda’ in 2025

Chief mouser Palmerston, a rescue cat from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, during his residence at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London (Nick Ansell/PA) (PA Archive)

Palmerston, the much-loved former chief mouser for the Foreign Office, has passed away peacefully in Bermuda, it has been announced. The feline diplomat, a rescue from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, served four years in Whitehall, becoming a popular figure among staff and the public, before retiring in 2020.

After a period of enjoying life "away from the limelight," Palmerston made a surprise return to public service in February 2025, taking on the unique role of "feline relations consultant (semi-retired) to the new Governor of Bermuda." This new chapter saw him continue his diplomatic duties in a sunnier clime.

Announcing his death, a post on Palmerston’s X account read: "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. "He was a wonderful companion, with a gentle nature, and will be sorely missed."

During his tenure in Westminster, Palmerston was famously rumoured to have engaged in a long-running feud with Larry, the chief mouser at Number 10. Despite their alleged rivalry, Larry’s X account posted a poignant tribute: "Farewell old friend x." Labour MP Sarah Champion also simply wrote: "RIP."

Upon his retirement in 2020, a letter penned in Palmerston’s name to Sir Simon McDonald, then permanent under-secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, explained his desire to spend more time "away from the limelight" after enjoying "working from home" during the coronavirus pandemic. The letter stated: "I have found life away from the front line relaxed, quieter, and easier."

It also highlighted his influence, noting: "My 105,000 twitter followers show that even those with four legs and fur have an important part to play in the UK’s global effort. I have championed our work, built our relationships, and celebrated the diversity of our staff."

Palmerston’s former rival Larry the Cat paid tribute to his one-time foe (Victoria Jones/PA)

Foreign Office staff paid tribute at the time, with Jon Benjamin, director of the department’s Diplomatic Academy, wishing him a "very happy retirement" and recalling an amusing incident: "He left us a slightly chewed dead mouse next to my desk in @UKDipAcademy once, and we were of course not very grateful."