Palmerston, Famous Foreign Office Cat, Dies at 13

Palmerston, a cat famous for his job at the UK Foreign Office, has died. He was 13 years old and passed away peacefully in Bermuda. He was known for catching mice and was a special helper in government.
By Newsroom | Animals, United Kingdom |

A Diplomatic Feline's Final Chapter

The passing of Palmerston, a cat renowned for his tenure as the Foreign Office's chief mouser, marks the end of a unique public service career. Palmerston died peacefully in Bermuda on February 12, 2026, at the age of 13. His death, announced via his official social media account, has prompted tributes from various quarters, including from Larry the Cat, the chief mouser at 10 Downing Street, with whom Palmerston was often associated. Palmerston's journey from a rescue animal to a fixture in British governmental circles, and eventually to a companion role in Bermuda, offers a glimpse into the varied lives of animals within public institutions.

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Timeline of Palmerston's Public Life

Palmerston, a black-and-white rescue cat from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, began his career as the Foreign Office's chief mouser during Boris Johnson's time as Foreign Secretary. He served in this capacity for four years at the Whitehall location.

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  • Retirement from Whitehall: Palmerston retired from his role at the Foreign Office in 2020.

  • New Role in Bermuda: In February 2025, it was announced that Palmerston had emerged from retirement to take on a new position as "feline relations consultant (semi-retired) to the new Governor of Bermuda."

  • Death: Palmerston passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, in Bermuda.

Evidence of Palmerston's Demise and Tributes

Information regarding Palmerston's death has been consolidated from multiple reports, primarily published around February 13-14, 2026.

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  • Official Announcement: A post on Palmerston's official X (formerly Twitter) account stated: "Palmerston, Diplocat extraordinaire, passed away peacefully on 12 February."

  • Age at Death: Reports indicate Palmerston was 12 or 13 years old at the time of his death.

  • Location of Death: Palmerston died in Bermuda, where he had been serving as a companion to the Governor.

  • Tributes from Larry the Cat: Larry the Cat, Downing Street's chief mouser, is reported to have paid "emotional tributes" and "put aside their differences" to honor Palmerston. Larry has been serving as chief mouser for 15 years.

Palmerston's Identity and Origins

Palmerston's background as a rescue cat is consistently noted across reports, highlighting his journey from animal welfare to public service.

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  • Rescue Status: Palmerston was adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. This detail is frequently mentioned, emphasizing his origins.

  • Public Profile: He garnered a significant following, with nearly 100,000 followers on his X account, and was often referred to as a "Diplocat extraordinaire."

The "Rivalry" with Larry the Cat

A recurring theme in reports about Palmerston is his supposed rivalry with Larry the Cat. While often framed as a "long-running feud," the nature of this interaction remains largely anecdotal.

  • Rumored Feud: Palmerston was "rumoured to have had a long-running feud" with Larry during their overlapping time in Westminster.

  • Bridging Differences: Despite the rumors, Larry's tribute suggests a level of camaraderie, with reports noting that Larry "put aside their differences" to honor his feline colleague.

  • Symbolic Roles: Both cats occupied significant, albeit informal, roles within governmental households, serving as symbols of continuity and stability.

Palmerston's Life in Bermuda

Following his retirement from the Foreign Office, Palmerston relocated to Bermuda to assume a new role.

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  • Role with Governor: He took up a position as "feline relations consultant (semi-retired) to the new Governor of Bermuda."

  • Community Engagement: Palmerston participated in a charitable event for the Lions Club White Cane Tag Days, which raises funds for the visually impaired, alongside the Governor.

  • Temperament: He is described as a "wonderful companion, with a gentle nature."

Expert Analysis and Context

The life of Palmerston offers a point of reflection on the role of animals in public life and the public's engagement with them.

"Palmerston’s time in public life — from a Battersea rescue to an informal diplomatic posting overseas — drew attention both for the affection shown to him and for the curious role pets sometimes play in public institutions." - The Global Herald

The narrative of Palmerston, alongside historical precedents like Winston Churchill's cat Nelson or Humphrey, the former Cabinet Office mouser, illustrates a tradition of animals serving in British governmental offices. These animals often become unofficial mascats, providing a sense of familiarity and continuity.

Conclusion and Implications

Palmerston's death concludes a chapter for a feline figure who captured public attention during his service at the Foreign Office and his subsequent life in Bermuda. His journey from a rescue cat to a recognized "Diplocat" underscores the unexpected paths animals can take within public spheres.

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  • The consistent reporting across multiple news outlets on his death and past roles provides a reliable account of his life and passing.

  • The tributes from Larry the Cat, despite the rumored rivalry, highlight a shared experience within the governmental animal community.

  • Palmerston's service in Bermuda demonstrates a continuation of his public role in a different capacity, engaging with local community initiatives.

  • His legacy appears to be one of affection, public interest, and the unique way animals can become part of institutional identity.

Sources Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When did Palmerston die?
Palmerston died on February 12, 2026. He was 13 years old.
Q: Where did Palmerston die?
He died in Bermuda. He had moved there to help the Governor.
Q: What was Palmerston's job?
Palmerston was the chief mouser at the UK Foreign Office. This means he helped catch mice.
Q: Was Palmerston a rescue cat?
Yes, Palmerston was a rescue cat from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.