BBC Breakfast Presenters Share 'Unbelievable' News About Downing Street's Larry the Cat
BBC Breakfast viewers received some remarkable news just minutes into the Sunday morning edition of the flagship programme on February 15. Hosts Roger Johnson and Sarah Campbell wasted no time in delivering a special announcement less than ten minutes into the broadcast, sharing a heartwarming story about one of Britain's most famous feline residents.
A Milestone Celebration at Number 10
With beaming smiles, Roger Johnson revealed that Downing Street's resident cat, Larry, was celebrating a significant milestone. "The UK's chief mouser—you probably know who we are talking about—Larry, the Downing Street cat is celebrating 15 years of patrolling the corridors of power at Number 10," Roger announced. He added with a chuckle, "He's lasted longer than some Prime Ministers."
Sarah Campbell quickly clarified, "Yeah—most of them," before providing additional context about Larry's tenure. "He was initially recruited to deal with the rodent problem under David Cameron and has shared the residence now with six Prime Ministers," she explained.
From Battersea to Downing Street
The presenters shared details of Larry's origins, noting he was adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2011 when he was believed to be approximately four years old. "So he's 19—that's unbelievable," Sarah remarked, highlighting the cat's impressive age and longevity in his prestigious role.
BBC Breakfast aired nostalgic footage of Larry throughout the years, showing him receiving affectionate pets from a policeman, standing proudly on a red carpet at the iconic front door of Number 10, and being let in and out by attentive staff members. "He did a great job," Roger commented before transitioning to the weather forecast.
Public Reaction and Political Comparisons
News of Larry's service milestone has sparked widespread celebration among cat enthusiasts across the United Kingdom. Social media responses have been particularly enthusiastic, with one observer joking, "The real power behind the throne." Another noted, "Larry's been working while PMs came and went. Peak career stability."
A third admirer commented, "Such a very special cat, congratulations Larry," while a fourth offered a more political perspective: "Larry has the most stable job in British politics and hasn't spent a single day pretending to care about the public—truly living the dream."
Remembering Palmerston
Larry's celebration comes just days after the passing of former Chief Mouser to the Foreign Office, Palmerston, another rescue cat from Battersea. The two felines were reportedly engaged in a long-running feud before Palmerston's retirement in 2020. At the time of his death, Palmerston was living in Bermuda with the territory's governor, Andrew Murdoch.
Larry's unofficial social media account led tributes to his former colleague, posting a simple yet poignant message: "Farewell old friend x." This bittersweet context adds depth to Larry's milestone, highlighting the unique legacy of these governmental feline ambassadors.
BBC Breakfast continues to air daily from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer, bringing viewers the latest news alongside these unexpected moments of warmth and national character.
