Keir Starmer introduces Prince the kitten at Downing Street
- Keir Starmer's children negotiated for a kitten named Prince as part of their move to Downing Street.
- Prince is a Siberian kitten, known for being hypoallergenic and having a dog-like temperament.
- The introduction of pets at Downing Street is a tradition, and this addition aims to ease the family's transition.
Keir Starmer has introduced a new kitten named Prince to Downing Street, which was part of a negotiation with his children to move into the Prime Minister's residence. The kitten, a Siberian breed with white fur and blue eyes, was chosen after discussions about getting a German Shepherd dog were abandoned due to space constraints in the small flat. Starmer's children were promised a pet to help ease the transition into their new home. Prince will join the Starmer family's existing cat, Jojo, and Larry, the resident mouser at Downing Street. The introduction of pets in the Prime Minister's residence has become a tradition, with previous leaders also having their own animals. The presence of a cat is expected to provide comfort to Larry, who has shown territorial behavior towards other cats. Siberian cats are known for their long, fluffy coats and hypoallergenic properties, making them suitable for families with allergies. Their dog-like behavior may help mitigate the disappointment of not having a dog, as expressed by Starmer regarding his children's feelings about the move. The decision to bring Prince into the household reflects the importance of family dynamics during significant life changes, such as moving into a new and high-profile environment. Starmer acknowledged the profound impact this transition has on his children, emphasizing the need to negotiate a pet as part of their adjustment to life at Number 10.