In a poignant loss for animal lovers and diplomacy enthusiasts, Palmerston—the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s (FCDO) iconic Chief Mouser—has died. The 12-year-old rescue cat breathed his last in Bermuda on February 12, with the sad update posted to his hugely popular X profile.
Palmerston’s ascent was the stuff of fairy tales. Saved from Battersea, he assumed his lofty title on April 13, 2016, transforming from alley cat to Whitehall warrior. For four years, he prowled the power corridors, earning the affectionate moniker ‘Diplocat’ for his globe-trotting persona and cheeky online presence.
His 2020 retirement letter, addressed to Sir Simon McDonald, was a masterclass in feline humor. Post-pandemic, Palmerston declared his love for ‘working from home’ and retirement’s calm, bolstered by his 105,000 followers who affirmed cats’ place in UK foreign policy.
Relocating to Bermuda’s Government House in February 2025, he served as Feline Relations Consultant, delighting staff until his peaceful departure.
The tribute post captured it perfectly: an extraordinary life ended surrounded by those who cherished him.
Rooted in history, Palmerston honored Lord Palmerston, the 19th-century leader, amid a tradition of political pets like Humphrey—the chief mouser under Thatcher, Major, and Blair—and Churchill’s Nelson.
Beyond pest control, Palmerston mastered public relations, his selfies and updates humanizing bureaucracy. Tributes highlight his role in softening diplomacy’s edges, proving charisma transcends species.
As the FCDO reflects, Palmerston’s tenure blended levity with legacy, leaving an indelible mark on all who followed his purring adventures.