Palmerston, the black-and-white cat who became one of Britain’s most famous “diplocats,” has died in Bermuda, according to a report by CNN and a statement from the UK Foreign Office.

The former “Chief Mouser” of the Foreign Office passed away peacefully on February 12, his official social media account said.

Affectionately known as “Palmy,” he had retired from Whitehall in 2020 but returned to public attention in 2025 after relocating to Bermuda with Governor Andrew Murdoch.

In a post shared on Instagram, Palmerston was described as “a special member of the Government House team in Bermuda, and a much-loved family member.”

“He was a wonderful companion, with a gentle nature, and will be sorely missed,” the statement added.

Rescued from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Palmerston joined the Foreign Office in 2016, months before Britain voted to leave the European Union. His arrival coincided with a turbulent period in British politics, during which he became a familiar presence in Westminster.

Named after 19th-century statesman Viscount Palmerston, the cat quickly built a large online following, attracting nearly 100,000 followers who tracked his daily activities and public appearances.

He also developed a friendly rivalry with Larry, the resident cat at 10 Downing Street, who recently marked 15 years in his role. Reacting to Palmerston’s death, Larry wrote on X: “Farewell, old friend x.”

Palmerston himself had previously joked about his duties, once writing that he would miss “hearing the footsteps of an Ambassador and sprinting to my hideout,” adding that his departure would be a “major loss for our intelligence gathering.”

In 2025, he was drawn out of retirement by what he called “a purr-fect role,” leaving London’s grey skies for Bermuda’s beaches and clear waters. In his final years, he was often seen welcoming foreign dignitaries, playing with oversized avocados, and taking part in official events, including Remembrance Day commemorations.

According to CNN, Palmerston’s death has prompted tributes from officials and admirers around the world, reflecting his unusual journey from a rescue cat to an international diplomatic icon.

His passing marks the end of a distinctive chapter in Britain’s public life, where a former stray became one of the country’s most recognisable and beloved civil service figures.