LONDON — The United Kingdom’s beloved feline diplomat has returned from retirement to take on an exciting new role.
Palmerston, the former chief mouser of the Foreign Office, has been designated as the U.K.’s chief cat representative in Bermuda.

This announcement came via Palmerston’s official social media account, following a hiatus of over four years, during which he retired to enjoy a more tranquil lifestyle in the countryside.
When he stepped down, Palmerston was adopted by Andrew Murdoch, a diplomat at the Foreign Office, who has recently been appointed as the governor of Bermuda, a small British territory located in the mid-Atlantic.

In a light-hearted post, Palmerston stated, “Diplomacy and a purr-fect role have lured me out of retirement.
I’ve just started work as a feline relations consultant (semi-retired) to the new Governor of Bermuda. I’ve been busy meeting very welcoming Bermudians.”

The Foreign Office shared that Palmerston plans to selectively attend high-priority meetings, provide sage advice when needed, and, of course, indulge in his well-deserved naps.

Palmerston, who was named after the longest-serving British Foreign Secretary, Lord Palmerston, became part of the government in April 2016 as a rescued cat.
He was adored by the staff at the Foreign Office, who often pampered him with treats, and in return, he would occasionally present them with small gifts like dead mice.

His diplomatic journey, however, was not without its challenges, most notably with Larry, the cat who resides at the nearby 10 Downing Street.
The two have been known to exhibit signs of rivalry, occasionally engaging in skirmishes outside the residence of the British Prime Minister.
Larry continues to serve as the “Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office,” a role he has fulfilled since 2011 under the leadership of six different prime ministers.