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Rajoni dhe Bota2026-06-23 13:27:00

Larry, the Downing Street cat: The calm 'veteran' who survived six prime ministers and a decade of political turmoil

Shkruar nga Pamfleti

As the United Kingdom enters another period of political transition, it seems certain that the next occupant of Downing Street will already have the most experienced "official" in the British government, Larry.

Larry, the Downing Street cat: The calm 'veteran' who survived six
Larry, the famous Downing Street cat

At a time when the UK political scene is characterized by constant changes of leadership, there is one figure who remains constant at the heart of British power: Larry, the famous cat of Downing Street, the office of the British Prime Minister.

The announcement of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation marks another change at the top of the government, the sixth in almost a decade. However, the four-legged resident of 10 Downing Street remains in his post, continuing a term that has now exceeded 15 years.

Larry, the Downing Street cat: The calm 'veteran' who survived six
Larry with Keir Starmer - Prime Minister from July 2024 to June 2026

Larry, a brown and white cat, took up his post as "Chief Mouser of the Cabinet Office", that is, the official mouse hunter in the Prime Minister's office, on 15 February 2011. Since then, he has become an integral part of British political life, closely following the developments that shaped the country's modern history.

From an animal shelter in the heart of power,
Larry was adopted by the famous Battersea Cats and Dogs Home, with the main mission of dealing with the rat problem in government buildings. However, he quickly outgrew his initial role and became one of the most popular "personalities" in the British political system.

Larry, the Downing Street cat: The calm 'veteran' who survived six
Larry with Boris Johnson - Prime Minister from July 2019 to September 2022

His presence outside the distinctive black door of number 10 has become a familiar sight for journalists, photojournalists and visitors from around the world. He is often photographed resting on the steps of the prime minister's residence or calmly observing the political developments unfolding around him.

The cat who saw six prime ministers come and go

During his tenure, Larry has "worked" with six different prime ministers, David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Swank and Starmer.

With Starmer gone, Larry is now preparing to welcome the seventh prime minister of his career, an event that highlights the unique stability he represents in an environment of political uncertainty.

Larry's tenure in Downing Street coincided with some of the most important moments in recent British history. Among them are the 2016 Brexit referendum. The United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union. The COVID-19 pandemic. Successive political crises and internal party infighting, which led to numerous leadership changes.

Although he did not participate in political decisions, of course, the cat became a kind of unofficial symbol of continuity for the British state.

Diplomatic meetings and... cat fights

Larry has gained international fame for his appearances alongside foreign leaders and dignitaries. Among his most famous moments is his meeting with former US President Barack Obama during his visit to London.

He has also starred in numerous viral moments, such as his famous confrontations with Palmerston, the British Foreign Office cat, which often occupied the British media more than certain political developments.

Larry, the Downing Street cat: The calm 'veteran' who survived six
Larry with Rishi Sunak - Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from October 2022 to July 2024

In an era of rapidly changing governments and political uncertainty, Larry has become more than just a mouse knight. For many Britons, he is a sympathetic and symbolic figure who reminds us of the continuity of institutions, no matter who is in office. As the United Kingdom enters another period of political transition, it seems certain that the next occupant of Downing Street will already have the most experienced “official” in the British government, Larry.

larry macja e downing street i mbijetoi gjashtë kryeministrave

1 Komente

  1. T
    Tony

    Ai eshte macok i vertete qe i pastron miushet fet e fet. Ta ruajne djalin te mos e helmojne, ngaqe kujtojne se, ua ka fajin ai. Cojeni djalin te Shtepia e Maceve te beje ndonje tjeter macok kelysh per te ardhmen. Larry, te uroj jete te gjate! Je legjenda e Downing Street.

    Lini një Përgjigje