Retirement isn’t for everyone, and that includes Palmerston the cat. Once the chief mouser at the U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London, Palmerston has returned to work after years of living a quiet country life. His new post? A feline relations consultant in Bermuda.
The famous rescue cat, named after Lord Palmerston, Britain’s longest-serving foreign secretary, first joined the diplomatic service in 2016.
With a dedicated work ethic and undeniable charm, Palmerston quickly became a social media favorite, earning recognition for his role in keeping government offices rodent-free.
Palmerston retired in 2020, settling into a peaceful life with his former coworker Andrew Murdoch and his family, fans of the diplomatic feline received occasional online updates, showcasing his relaxed lifestyle in the countryside. However, his retirement has now been cut short by Murdoch himself.
Diplomacy and a purr-fect role have lured me out of retirement. 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 @TheRoyalGazette @FCDOGovUK pic.twitter.com/v8BM548P2l
— Palmerston (@DiploMog) February 4, 2025Recently appointed as the governor of Bermuda, Murdoch saw an opportunity to bring Palmerston back into government service. The skilled mouser has now joined the governor’s team, proving that a diplomat’s duty never truly ends—even for a cat.
Related: The heist of 100,000 eggs in Pennsylvania becomes a whodunit that police have yet to crack
Palmerston isn’t the only feline making headlines in British government. His longtime rival, Larry the Cat, continues to serve as Chief Mouser at No. 10 Downing Street. The 18-year-old tabby has remained in office for nearly 14 years, working under six different prime ministers.
A quick word on my old pal Palmerston (@DiploMog), who served as the Foreign Office cat. It’s true that we didn’t always agree, but I miss him and hope he’s enjoying his retirement in the countryside #Larryversary pic.twitter.com/NERwr9aLdE
While Palmerston and Larry have had their fair share of disputes, their rivalry has always been grounded in a shared sense of duty.
Despite occasional catfights, they have both upheld their responsibilities with pride.
