Evie on the throne

This morning’s meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee (European Negotiations) was held in the Treasury Board Room which, despite its name, is in the Cabinet Office building in Whitehall.

I have attended many meetings here in what are rather magnificent surroundings including, against the far wall from the door, a throne last occupied by George III .

However it was occupied throughout our meeting by Evie, one of the Cabinet Office cats. She was alert but unmoving until the very end when, as Ministers and officials departed, she stretched and jumped down, disappearing under the Treasury Board , on which the ancient Exchequer Rolls would have been examined, which sits within the square of more modern tables in the centre of the room.