His filmed altercation with an annoying fox has made the rounds on social networks, while the United Kingdom is in the midst of a political crisis.
He’s one of Britain’s favorite personalities. In the midst of a political crisis in the country, marked by the recent resignation of Prime Minister Liz Truss, he is once again being talked about. Larry, the tenant cat of 10 Downing Street, London, was recently seen chasing a fox. The sequence, spotted by France Info, which broadcasts images from Sky News, did not fail to make headlines in the British press. In this video, released on October 10, we see the feline, white and tabby, repeatedly pushing the fox away, in a state of advanced thinness and insecure. The wild animal ends up turning back in front of the threatening attitude of the cat.
The video, seen millions of times, challenged some observers who saw it as an allegory of the political crisis in the United Kingdom. But remember that at the time of this animal incident, Liz Truss had not yet resigned. Did Larry want to protect the Prime Minister and the institution as he protected his home from this annoying fox? The feline “support” did not seem to be enough. Boris Johnson’s successor ended up laying down his arms on October 20.
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Larry, a real star across the Channel
The sequence has in any case made it possible to once again highlight Larry, considered an emblem in the United Kingdom. Contrary to what one might imagine, it is in no way the cat of Liz Truss: the feline was “recruited” in 2011 to the position of chief mouser of the Cabinet. His mission ? Drive out rodents that may interfere with the proper functioning of the official residence of British Prime Ministers.
It is therefore not uncommon to see him prowling around the famous London address. However, the cat, now 15 years old, has never distinguished himself by his hunting exploits. He is best known for his “fads.” Larry has indeed been accused many times of having a “lean killer instinct” and to sleep instead of doing his duty. Above all, his altercations with the other cats made the headlines in the United Kingdom. Evidenced by his legendary rivalry with Palmerson, chief mouser at the Office of Foreign Affairs between 2016 and 2020. In 2016, a journalist caught the two felines fighting violently. Result: an injured ear for one and a lost necklace for the other.
In a few years, Larry has become a must for passers-by and photographers. And beyond its entertaining aspect, the ministerial tomcat has a diplomatic function. Arrived under the mandate of David Cameron, he helped to humanize the various tenants of 10 Downing Street. His unexpected quarrel with a fox has also taken the gaze somewhat away from the current crisis in the United Kingdom. So many assets that should reinforce the admiration of his biggest fans. And for those who would like to meet him, it is always possible to meet him… not far from his place of work.
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