Palmerston, the beloved black and white cat known as a distinguished “diplocat,” has died in Bermuda at the age of seven. The announcement was made by the United Kingdom’s Foreign Office on February 12, 2025. Palmerston rose to fame after being rescued from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, subsequently joining the Foreign Office in 2016 during a significant political period in the UK.
In 2020, Palmerston retired from his role at Whitehall, allowing him to step away from the public eye during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to an Instagram post, he returned to the spotlight in 2025 when he joined the new Governor of Bermuda, Andrew Murdoch, in the overseas territory. The post described Palmerston as a “special member of the Government House team” who was a cherished companion, stating, “He was a wonderful companion, with a gentle nature, and will be sorely missed.”
Palmerston’s Legacy in Public Service
Palmerston was named after the 19th-century Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister, Viscount Palmerston. He quickly gained a following, attracting nearly 100,000 followers on social media platforms, where fans eagerly followed his adventures around Westminster. The former Chief Mouser notably engaged in a friendly rivalry with Larry, the cat at 10 Downing Street, who recently celebrated 15 years in his post. Larry expressed his condolences, posting, “Farewell old friend x” on X.
During his tenure, Palmerston made significant contributions to public service, particularly in pest control. According to Simon McDonald, the former Permanent Under-Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Palmerston caught his first mouse just weeks into his position. Beyond his pest control duties, he also demonstrated a philanthropic spirit, helping to raise over £3,000 (approximately $4,082) for the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
Final Days in Bermuda
In his retirement letter, which was humorously pawed by the cat himself, Palmerston expressed his desire to enjoy more leisure time away from the spotlight. He mentioned, “I will miss hearing the footsteps of an Ambassador and sprinting to my hideout to see who it is,” while noting that his departure would be a “major loss for our intelligence gathering.”
Yet, in 2025, Palmerston found “a purr-fect role” that lured him out of retirement. He left the grey skies of London behind for the sunny beaches of Bermuda. In his final days, he was often seen playing with giant avocados and welcoming foreign dignitaries. His playful spirit remained evident as he handed out poppies in preparation for Remembrance Day.
Palmerston’s unique journey from the streets of London to the halls of government and, ultimately, to the beaches of Bermuda has left a lasting impact on those who followed his story. He will be remembered not only as a notable figure in British political life but also as a cherished friend to many.
