Farewell to a Diplomat: Palmerston, Former Foreign Office Cat, Dies in Bermuda
The esteemed feline diplomat, Palmerston, who once served as the Foreign Office’s chief mouser, has passed away peacefully in Bermuda. The news of his death, which occurred on February 12th, has been met with a wave of heartfelt tributes from colleagues, both human and feline, across the pond.
Palmerston, a rescue cat adopted from the renowned Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, began his illustrious career at the Foreign Office during Boris Johnson’s tenure as Foreign Secretary. For four years, he diligently patrolled the corridors of Whitehall, keeping the premises free from unwanted rodent visitors. His retirement in 2020 marked the end of an era, and he subsequently relocated to the sun-drenched shores of Bermuda to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.
An announcement on Palmerston’s official X (formerly Twitter) account confirmed his passing, describing him as a “Diplocat extraordinaire.” The post continued, ” ‘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.”
The tributes have been flowing in, with a notable message coming from his former Westminster colleague, Larry the cat, Downing Street’s chief mouser. A post on Larry’s widely followed satirical X account, which boasts over a million followers, simply read: “Farewell old friend x.” This brief but poignant message underscores the unique bond that can exist between even the most distinguished of felines. It’s worth noting that February 12th also happens to be Larry’s birthday, adding a layer of bittersweet coincidence to the occasion.
The feline world of government affairs is known for its occasional rivalries, and Palmerston’s time in Westminster was rumoured to be marked by a long-running feud with Larry. While the specifics of their interactions remain largely anecdotal, the shared history of their roles as official mousing representatives has cemented their place in the public’s imagination.
Beyond the feline tributes, many human colleagues have also shared their memories and condolences. Labour MP Sarah Champion offered a succinct “RIP,” while former staffers from the Foreign Office took to social media to share cherished photographs of themselves with Palmerston. These images offer a glimpse into the daily life of a beloved office pet who brought joy and a touch of levity to the often serious world of international diplomacy.
A Diplomat’s Farewell Letter
Upon his retirement in 2020, a rather unique letter, purportedly from Palmerston himself, was shared with Sir Simon McDonald, the permanent under-secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The letter explained Palmerston’s desire to “spend more time away from the limelight,” a sentiment likely influenced by his experience of “working from home” during the unprecedented circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic.
The letter, signed with Palmerston’s paw print, painted a picture of a contented retiree: “I have found life away from the front line relaxed, quieter, and easier.” It also highlighted the significant impact he felt he had made during his tenure.
“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,” the letter stated, underscoring the power of a well-managed social media presence, even for a cat. Palmerston humbly claimed, “I have championed our work, built our relationships, and celebrated the diversity of our staff.”
His colleagues at the Foreign Office also expressed their well wishes for his retirement. Jon Benjamin, director of the department’s Diplomatic Academy, extended his hopes for a “very happy retirement.” Benjamin recounted a memorable anecdote, adding, “He left us a slightly chewed dead mouse next to my desk in @UKDipAcademy once, and we were of course not very grateful.” This light-hearted recollection serves as a testament to Palmerston’s dedication to his mousing duties, even if his methods weren’t always appreciated by his human counterparts.
Palmerston’s legacy extends beyond his mousing prowess. He became a symbol of the lighter side of government, a reminder that even in the most serious of institutions, there is room for companionship and the unique contributions of our animal friends. His move to Bermuda represented a well-earned escape to a more tranquil existence, a stark contrast to the bustling environment of Whitehall. His passing is a loss felt by many, a reminder of the special place he held in the hearts of those who worked alongside him, and indeed, in the hearts of his many online admirers. His memory will undoubtedly live on, a testament to a life of service, dedication, and a touch of feline charm.
