Emily Zemler
Updated on: October 13, 2024 12:27 pm GMT
Downing Street has welcomed a new furry resident named Prince, a Siberian kitten, as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer seeks to balance family life with political duties. The introduction of the lively kitten comes after negotiations with Starmer’s children, who had initially wanted a German Shepherd to accompany them at the historic residence.
Introducing Prince the Kitten
Prime Minister Starmer unveiled Prince on Saturday, sharing an adorable photo of the kitten perched confidently on his desk, paws playfully resting on some paperwork. Alongside photos of the new addition, Starmer reflected on the “long summer of negotiations” that led to the decision to adopt a kitten instead of a dog.
“We are now getting a kitten instead of a dog. And this is an agreement after long negotiations – I said we’d get in the room and sort it out,” he told the BBC during a previous discussion in July.
Starmer’s efforts to find common ground with his children reflect the challenges families face when adapting to life in the public eye.
Feline Family Dynamics
Prince joins a household that already includes two feline residents. The longtime Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, Larry, has held his position since 2011 and has become a beloved figure at No. 10. Additionally, Jojo, a rescue cat, is also part of the Starmer family.
Starmer has shared some of the hurdles that come with pet ownership at Downing Street. One notable issue was the difficulty of installing a cat flap in the residence’s bomb-proof door. He humorously noted that his daughter had convinced him that managing two cats would not be a greater challenge than managing one.
Past Pets of Downing Street
Historically, Downing Street has seen a variety of pets come and go, each leaving their own mark on the iconic home. Here are a few notable four-legged residents from recent administrations:
- Rishi Sunak: Nova, a Fox Red Labrador
- Boris Johnson: Dilyn, an adopted Jack Russell
- Liz Truss: faced a flea problem linked to Dilyn’s presence
These pets often add a touch of normalcy to the hectic lifestyle of political life, though they can also bring unexpected challenges.
What Prince Brings to the Starmer Family
The decision to adopt Prince appears to symbolize more than just a new pet; it serves as a reminder of the importance of family and the emotional well-being of the Starmer children as they adjust to their father’s responsibilities. Starmer has highlighted the significance of this transition, saying, “This change has a profound impact on our children.”
Having Prince in the house is not just about companionship; it reportedly brings the family closer together as they navigate their new home and life at One 10 Downing Street.
The Press and Public’s Reaction
The reveal of Prince has sparked light-hearted comments and jokes about the kitten’s name. While Starmer has not confirmed whether the name is a tribute to the famous singer or potentially a royal reference, it has undoubtedly added a playful atmosphere leading up to the Labour Party’s conference.
The kitten’s arrival has also raised questions about how well he will get along with Larry and Jojo. Larry, a seasoned Downing Street resident, has a notorious reputation for his patrols and encounters with local wildlife, so the dynamics between the three cats remain to be seen.
Conclusion
As Downing Street embraces its newest member, Prince, the Siberian kitten, the Starmer family illustrates the importance of family life amid political challenges. The negotiations for a kitten instead of a dog reflect the everyday compromises that families must balance, even at the highest levels of government.
Every time Prince leaves a paw print on the busy papers at No. 10, he brings more than just his adorable presence. He also brings a feeling of togetherness and warmth to the Starmer family. As they get used to their new home, we can only wait and see how having Prince around will change their lives—both as a family and as leaders.
