Former Foreign Office cat Palmerston dies in Bermuda
BBC World
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Former Foreign Office cat Palmerston, known as the "diplocat extraordinaire," has passed away in Bermuda. A beloved figure in British political circles, Palmerston gained international acclaim during his tenure as the Foreign Office's chief mouser from 2016 to 2020. After retiring, he made a surprise return in February 2025 as a "feline relations consultant" to Bermuda's Governor, Andrew Murdoch. His death on February 12 was announced by his social media account, which described him as a "much-loved family member" with a gentle nature.
Palmerston's career began during the Covid pandemic when he left London for a quieter life in the countryside. However, he returned to public service in 2025 at the urging of Bermuda's Governor, who brought him out of retirement for his new role. The decision was met with excitement by his 99,000 social media followers, many of whom celebrated his return as a light-hearted moment in diplomacy.
Known for his charismatic presence, Palmerston often patrolled Downing Street and became a symbol of British diplomacy's lighter side. His passing has drawn tributes from colleagues, including Larry, the current chief mouser at Number 10, who paid a touching farewell to his former rival. The relationship between the two cats was once rumored to be fraught with tension during their overlapping time
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on BBC World on 2/14/2026