Palmerston, known for his rivalry with Downing Street’s resident cat, Larry, is back in the spotlight as a "feline relations consultant," delighting locals and re-establishing his role in international diplomacy.
Palmerston the Feline Diplomat: New Role in Bermuda
Palmerston the Feline Diplomat: New Role in Bermuda
The beloved British Foreign Service Cat returns to duty, taking on a semi-retired post in Bermuda after a brief hiatus.
Palmerston, the distinguished British Foreign Service Cat, is making headlines once again as he embarks on a new adventure in Bermuda, following a period of retirement. In a surprising announcement, it was revealed that Palmerston would begin his new role as a "feline relations consultant" for the governor of Bermuda, Andrew Murdoch, with whom he has maintained a close relationship since their days in the Foreign Office.
Retiring from his active role in the Foreign Office in 2020, there were concerns about Palmerston's well-being, with many speculating about his fate as he enjoyed a restful life in the countryside, allegedly exploring trees instead of overseeing diplomatic duties. However, his unexpected return has sparked joy among those who followed his career, and he took to social media platform X to express his excitement about re-engaging with the public: “I’ve just started work as feline relations consultant (semi-retired) to the new Governor of Bermuda. I’ve been busy meeting very welcoming Bermudians.”
Palmerston, a black-and-white rescue cat named after the historic British leader Lord Palmerston, has always been a figure of interest. Notably, at the time of his appointment in 2016, he was thought to be around two years old. His tenure was marked by a notorious rivalry with Larry, the chief mouser at 10 Downing Street, with their infamous clashes including an incident that required veterinary care for Larry. Analysts suggest that the distance of Palmerston’s new residence will likely diminish their ongoing feud.
Former senior Foreign Office civil servant Lord Simon McDonald remarked on the enduring curiosity surrounding Palmerston’s fate after retirement, a testament to the cat’s impact on British culture and politics. Now, with proof of life from Bermuda, Palmerston is back in the limelight, reaffirming his status as a beloved symbol of British diplomacy — furry, somewhat unwieldy, yet undeniably charming.
Retiring from his active role in the Foreign Office in 2020, there were concerns about Palmerston's well-being, with many speculating about his fate as he enjoyed a restful life in the countryside, allegedly exploring trees instead of overseeing diplomatic duties. However, his unexpected return has sparked joy among those who followed his career, and he took to social media platform X to express his excitement about re-engaging with the public: “I’ve just started work as feline relations consultant (semi-retired) to the new Governor of Bermuda. I’ve been busy meeting very welcoming Bermudians.”
Palmerston, a black-and-white rescue cat named after the historic British leader Lord Palmerston, has always been a figure of interest. Notably, at the time of his appointment in 2016, he was thought to be around two years old. His tenure was marked by a notorious rivalry with Larry, the chief mouser at 10 Downing Street, with their infamous clashes including an incident that required veterinary care for Larry. Analysts suggest that the distance of Palmerston’s new residence will likely diminish their ongoing feud.
Former senior Foreign Office civil servant Lord Simon McDonald remarked on the enduring curiosity surrounding Palmerston’s fate after retirement, a testament to the cat’s impact on British culture and politics. Now, with proof of life from Bermuda, Palmerston is back in the limelight, reaffirming his status as a beloved symbol of British diplomacy — furry, somewhat unwieldy, yet undeniably charming.
