London: Larry, the famously unflappable Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office and one of the most recognisable residents of 10 Downing Street, celebrated his 19th birthday last week, drawing warm wishes from across the political spectrum and the public alike.
Appointed in 2011, Larry has become an enduring symbol of continuity in British public life. Known for taking his duties seriously, the tabby cat is regularly seen monitoring the resident mouse population, greeting visitors outside No.10, and conducting his much-photographed “security inspections” on the Downing Street doorstep. His calm presence has outlasted multiple prime ministers, cabinet reshuffles, and major political transitions.
Beyond his official role, Larry has been a silent witness to significant moments in the UK’s international relationships, including the evolving UK–India partnership. Over the past two decades, this relationship has deepened across trade, education, science and technology, climate action, and people-to-people links. During this period, successive leaders from both countries have visited Downing Street, held high-level talks, and announced initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two democracies.
As Britain’s longest-serving mouser, Larry’s longevity has made him a familiar and reassuring figure amid change, embodying a sense of tradition at the heart of government. Now entering his twentieth year, Larry continues to patrol No.10 with the same quiet authority—proof that while politics may shift rapidly, some institutions, feline or otherwise, remain steadfast.