Monarch Elizabeth II Preceded by Position established Relations Simon McDonald (owner) | Prime Minister Theresa May Nationality British Species Felis catus | |
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Foreign Secretary Phillip Hammond
Boris Johnson | ||
Palmerston is the resident Chief Mouser of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) at Whitehall, London. He is a two-year-old, black and white, bicolor cat, who began his role and the position of Chief Mouser on 13 April 2016. Previously, he was from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and is named after the former Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister Lord Palmerston. He is employed at the King Charles Street building.
The inception of the position of Chief Mouser at the FCO followed from the position Chief Mouser of 10 Downing Street, Larry and from visits from George Osborne's cat Freya who made regular visits to the office.
Palmerston was in the news on 3 May 2016, as it was reported that he had caught his first mouse. On 11 July 2016, Palmerston was caught on camera in a stand-off between himself and Larry in and around Downing Street. On 26 July 2016, Palmerston was caught sneaking into Number 10, when the famous black door was left open. He was later evicted by resident police. On 1 August 2016, a journalist caught Palmerston and Larry having a very serious cat-fight, which led to Palmerston having damage to his ear and Larry losing his collar.
