The Prince and Princess of Wales recently paid a personal tribute to Peter Morris, a pizza-seller, whom they had the opportunity to meet in 2023. Peter, who was only 47 years old, tragically passed away after being diagnosed with cancer. His funeral was a somber occasion where a touching letter from the royal couple, addressed to Peter’s widow Tracey, was read out to the gathered mourners. In the letter, Prince William and Princess Kate expressed their condolences, acknowledging the profound loss that Peter’s family must be feeling. They spoke highly of Pete’s dedication to his community, a sentiment that was echoed by many others following his untimely death.
Tracey, Peter’s widow, shared that receiving the letter from the Prince and Princess of Wales was a massive surprise. She was touched by the gesture and reflected on how down to earth the royal couple seemed during their encounter with Peter. The letter will now be framed for Peter’s daughters, serving as a cherished memento of the kindness shown by William and Kate. Among the many letters Tracey received in remembrance of her late husband, she highlighted the one from the royal couple as particularly special, a testament to the impact Peter had on those around him.
The meeting between Prince William, Princess Kate, and Peter took place at Dowlais Rugby Club in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, where Peter operated a popular pizza van. During the visit, the royal couple purchased a selection of pizzas, spending a considerable amount on the treats, which were then distributed to the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team. Peter expressed his disbelief at serving the future king, highlighting how far he had come since starting his pizza business. However, just four months after this memorable encounter, Peter received devastating news regarding his health.
A Shared Struggle
Peter Morris was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, which he initially overcame before a later recurrence in his adrenal gland and liver. Tragically, his battle with cancer came to an end in August 2023, leaving behind a grieving community. The news of Prince Kate’s own cancer diagnosis, revealed in a heartfelt video message released in March 2024, further highlighted the shared struggles faced by many individuals. In her message, the Princess spoke candidly about the shock of her diagnosis and the challenges of undergoing treatment while maintaining a sense of normalcy for her young children.
Since announcing her cancer diagnosis, Princess Kate has been undergoing preventive chemotherapy, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. The royal couple’s tribute to Peter Morris reflects the empathy and compassion they have shown towards individuals facing difficult circumstances. Their gesture of kindness towards Peter’s family and community serves as a reminder of the power of human connection and the importance of supporting one another during times of hardship. The legacy of Peter’s kindness and dedication lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, including the Prince and Princess of Wales.