Larry’s new story made history this week during the visit of Polish President Karol Nawrocki. After his conversations with Starmer about serious topics such as the war in Ukraine ended, the cat got in the way of Polish guest photographer Mikołaj Bujak, who almost tripped Larry.
It was at the moment when the photojournalist was leaving the prime minister’s office, while journalists were waiting outside the building for a press conference. On the red-carpeted steps, Larry unexpectedly stepped into the path of Bujak, who – draped in expensive cameras – staggered. Fortunately, the photographer avoided the collision and then hurried to his colleagues.
The most famous cat in Great Britain, Larry, today appeared with President Karol Nawrocki at a joint conference in front of Downing Street. 😼 pic.twitter.com/Cfhkf28cJk
— Maciej Wąsik 🇵🇱 (@WasikMaciej) January 13, 2026
Shortly after Bujak, Nawrocki also came out of the door, but the cat didn’t get under his feet. “We will not be alone at the press conference. The cat from Downing Street will stay here with us,” Nawrocki said amusedly, according to the Fakt server. The president confirmed that Larry also participated in the meeting with Starmer.
Nineteen-year-old Larry has been the chief “mouse” in the prime minister’s office for 15 years. He has already experienced several premiers and has become a celebrity in Britain and beyond.
The cat began to fulfill its mission in the era of Prime Minister David Cameron. Larry was originally a stray animal, but the staff of the Prime Minister’s Office adopted him in 2011 and have been caring for him ever since.
More popular than prime ministers
A poll by the polling agency Ipsos ahead of the 2024 general election found Larry enjoyed the sympathy of 44 percent of Britons, compared to then prime minister Rishi Sunak on just 22 percent and Starmer on 34 percent.
There has been speculation recently that the UK’s ‘first cat’ is suffering from health problems. But the Prime Minister’s Office denies this.
