A special bulletin has announced a significant government shake-up involving Palmerston, the cat who previously served in the British Foreign Office. After retiring in 2020, Palmerston will return to public service in a new role as a feline relations consultant for the governor of Bermuda.
Palmerston, who stepped down from his position in the Foreign Office to pursue a quieter life, had been rumored to be working on memoirs but instead spent his time engaging in leisure activities such as climbing trees. However, the call to serve has drawn him back into the fold.
On social media platform X, Palmerston shared, “I’ve just started work as feline relations consultant (semi-retired) to the new Governor of Bermuda. I’ve been busy meeting very welcoming Bermudians.” His new assignment comes after Andrew Murdoch, a former colleague, was appointed governor in September.
Palmerston, a black-and-white rescue cat, is named after Lord Palmerston, a two-time British prime minister known for his promotion of nationalism and interventionist policies. Initially appointed in 2016 at approximately two years of age, Palmerston's recent low profile had sparked speculation about his well-being.
Lord Simon McDonald, the former senior civil servant at the Foreign Office, noted that inquiries about Palmerston's status were frequent during his tenure. He humorously remarked that retirement was often interpreted as a euphemism for death, but now confirmed Palmerston's vitality with his new role in Bermuda.
Palmerston has a longstanding rivalry with Larry, the chief mouser at 10 Downing Street. Reports indicate that their feud escalated in 2016 when Larry attempted to enter the Foreign Office, resulting in an altercation that required veterinary care for Larry. With Palmerston now relocated over 3,000 miles away, analysts suggest that their rivalry may diminish.
This concludes the special report. Regular programming will resume shortly, including updates on cricket scores and the shipping forecast.