Palmerston, Former Foreign Office Chief Mouser, Dies in Bermuda at 10

Palmerston, who held the role of Chief Mouser at the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, died on 12 February 2026 in Bermuda. His passing was announced on social media, marking the end of his public service as a well-known office cat.

Palmerston began his official duties at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office on 13 April 2016, following his adoption from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. He remained in this position until his retirement in August 2020, after which he relocated away from the office.

After a period of retirement, Palmerston returned to public life in February 2025. He took on a new role as a “feline relations consultant” to the Governor of Bermuda, where he continued to be involved in official activities in a semi-retired capacity.

The announcement of Palmerston’s death was made via his social media account on X, describing him as “Diplocat extraordinaire” and stating that he passed away peacefully. This message was shared with his followers and the wider public.

What the numbers show

• Palmerston served as Chief Mouser from April 2016 to August 2020
• He was adopted before starting his official role in April 2016
• Returned to work as a consultant in February 2025

During his years at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Palmerston was known for his presence in the building and his role as Chief Mouser. His adoption from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home preceded his appointment, and he became a familiar figure in the department.

Following his retirement in 2020, Palmerston’s activities shifted to Bermuda, where he continued to serve in a different capacity. His later role as a consultant reflected a continuation of his involvement in official settings, albeit in a reduced capacity.

Tributes were posted on social media after Palmerston’s death. Larry the Cat, who serves as Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, posted a farewell message on X, acknowledging Palmerston’s passing and marking the occasion among the community of official cats.

Palmerston’s career included several years of service in the UK government and a final period in Bermuda. His death has been formally recorded, and his contributions to his various roles have been noted in official communications.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.