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Palmerston the Diplomatic Cat Takes on New Role in Bermuda

Palmerston, the well-known former resident cat at the Foreign Office, is back in action after being appointed for a new diplomatic role in Bermuda, located nearly 3,500 miles away from his previous home in London.

According to a recent update on Palmerston’s X account, the charming black and white rescue cat, who served as the chief mouser for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) from 2016 to 2020, has taken on the title of “feline relations consultant” in the British Overseas Territory.

The announcement indicated that Palmerston had been “lured out of retirement” to assist Bermuda’s new governor, Andrew Murdoch, who previously worked with the cat at the Foreign Office. Murdoch has been a proud owner of Palmerston since the cat’s retirement.

In a playful tone, the official FCDO Flickr account stated that Palmerston, dubbed the “first feline diplomat,” would participate only in the meetings he considers significant, providing counsel when needed while also indulging in well-deserved naps.

Palmerston’s journey into the diplomatic world commenced in 2016 when he was adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. His tenure as chief mouser came to an end during the pandemic, when he was relocated from the bustling central London office, eventually leading to his formal retirement in 2020.

In a heartfelt letter to Lord Simon McDonald, the then senior civil servant at the Foreign Office, Palmerston expressed his desire to enjoy a quieter life in the countryside, spending time climbing trees and exploring fields, as well as a need to step back from the public eye.

His reemergence into the world of diplomacy has certainly brought joy to his 99,000 social media followers, including a delighted Lord McDonald. On social media, Lord McDonald remarked that many people assumed Palmerston had passed away following retirement, but now there is “proof of life in Bermuda.” He wished Palmerston success in his new assignment.

Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory, consists of 181 islands in the North Atlantic Ocean and has the British government responsible for its foreign affairs and defense. The governor, a position appointed by the British government, plays a mostly ceremonial role with critical constitutional and security duties within the territory’s parliamentary framework.

During his prior tenure at the FCDO, Palmerston became a beloved figure, frequently photographed alongside foreign dignitaries. Additionally, he had his share of playful encounters with his famous feline counterpart, Larry, who serves as the Chief Mouser at 10 Downing Street.

Source
www.bbc.com