Who is Larry the cat? Downing Street’s beloved feline, who witnessed tenure of 6 UK PMs, faces his final days

AsDowning Street's most enduring feline resident,Larry the cat, approaches his 17th year, officials are quietly preparing for an emotional farewell. Known affectionately as the ‘chief mouser’ of Number 10, Larry’s longevity has prompted the drafting of a special plan, codenamed ‘Operation Larry Bridges,’ to manage the sensitive announcement of his passing.This story has been trending on Google Trends, reflecting widespread public interest and affection for the iconic cat.The name ‘Larry Bridges’ is a nod to the historical protocols for high-profile British figures, echoing the solemn preparations known as 'London Bridge' used forQueen Elizabeth II. The focus of these plans is on how to deliver the news of Larry’s departure with the respect and dignity befitting his status as a national icon.Larry’s journey began in 2011 when he was adopted from Battersea Cats and Dogs Home to provide companionship for then-Prime Minister David Cameron’s family. Since then, he has witnessed the tenure of six prime ministers—Cameron, Boris Johnson, Theresa May, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and now Sir Keir Starmer. Throughout these political transitions,Larryhas remained a constant presence, albeit with a few notable feline spats.One of Larry’s most famous encounters was with Palmerston, the Foreign Office’s cat, whose departure in 2019 marked the end of their long-standing rivalry. Another memorable moment was the altercation with Freya, the cat of then-Chancellor George Osborne, which required police intervention. Currently, Larry coexists with Jojo, the Starmer family’s rescue cat, although their dynamic remains largely harmonious.Despite his often aloof demeanor, Larry has played a unique role in Number 10, from ‘inspecting security defenses’ to ‘testing antique furniture for napping quality.’ His role also includes ‘contemplating solutions to the mouse occupancy of the house,’ a testament to his enduring charm and utility.In response to the buzz surrounding ‘Operation Larry Bridges,’ which has repeatedly trended on Google Trends, Larry’s parody account on X (@Number10Cat), boasting nearly 900,000 followers, addressed the plans with characteristic wit. “Plans are being made for how to announce my passing when that sad day comes,” the account tweeted. “My wish is to be stuffed and placed above a fireplace in Downing Street as a constant reminder that the inhabitants shouldn’t do anything stupid.”As Larry continues to navigate his twilight years at Number 10, the preparations for his eventual farewell underscore his significant place in British public life. His legacy, marked by a blend of whimsy and dignity, is set to be remembered long after his paws have left the halls of power.(This is a top story on Google Trends)