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Palmerston the Foreign Office Cat was given a military guard of honour today.

The diplomog was welcomed into the Ambassador's entrance of the Foreign Office by six burly members of the Grenadier Guards, resplendent in grey jackets and bearskins.

The picture was revealed in a tweet, in which Foreign Office Permanent Under-Secretary Sir Simon McDonald paid tribute to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, from where Palmerston was adopted.

He said: "Last year on the streets - thanks to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, he now gets the respect he deserves at the Foreign Office."

He added: "Happy Christmas."

A guard of honour is a ceremonial practice usually performed to honour domestic or foreign dignitaries.

A Foreign Office spokespurrson said: "Palmerston was inspecting troops before the US Defence Secretary arrived, as you can see they stood to C'Attention."

Palmerston, who holds the title of Chief Mouser of the Foreign Office, is employed at the King Charles Street Building, just off Whitehall.

(Image: Steve Back/Barcroft Media)

He has become embroiled in a bitter turf war with Number 10's resident feline, Larry.

The pair have resorted to physical violence in their battle for control of Downing Street and the surrounding area.

Meanwhile, the Treasury cat, Gladstone, has gained a reputation as a "cold blooded killer" for his ruthless efficiency at catching and killing rodents.