Prince William and Kate Middleton's Heartfelt Farewell: Honoring the Late Pizza-Seller Who Stole Their Hearts After Brave Cancer Battle
Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales recently penned a deeply moving tribute for Peter Morris, a 47-year-old pizza-seller from Ebbw Vale, South Wales, who tragically passed away from cancer in May.
The couple had met Peter the previous year when they purchased pizzas from his mobile business, Little Dragon Pizza Van, to distribute to the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team during a visit to Dowlais Rugby Club in Merthyr Tydfil.
The pizzas, a mix of margarita, pepperoni, BBQ chicken, and goat cheese, were intended as a gesture of appreciation for the mountain rescue workers. Peter, who had started his pizza business in 2016, was delighted by the royal encounter, remarking at the time that serving the future king was beyond his wildest dreams. This moment of royal recognition was a high point for Peter, who had previously overcome oesophageal cancer.
Unfortunately, his health took a turn for the worse when doctors later discovered the disease had spread to his adrenal gland and liver, leading to his untimely death less than a year later.
In the weeks following his death in May, William sent a personal letter of condolence to Peter’s widow, Tracey, which was written on Kensington Palace notepaper and read aloud at Peter’s funeral. In the letter, William expressed deep sympathy for the family, acknowledging the significant void Peter’s passing would leave in their lives.
HRH wrote: "We can only begin to imagine what an immense hole he will leave in your life, and my heart goes out to you and your family." He also recalled how much he and Kate had enjoyed meeting Peter, recognizing him as a "hugely dedicated and highly valued member of the community," sentiments that were echoed in the community’s response to his passing.
The letter from the royal couple came as a surprise to Tracey, who was deeply touched by their kind words. She shared that the letter would be framed for their two young daughters, ages eight and five, to serve as a lasting memory of their father’s connection to the royal family.
Tracey also mentioned the impact of Kate's ongoing cancer treatment, suggesting that it may have resonated with the couple and prompted their thoughtful gesture.
The story of Peter Morris and his brief yet meaningful encounter with the royal couple serves as a poignant reminder of the small, everyday connections that can leave a lasting impression, even on those in the highest positions of society. The tribute from William and Kate underscores the humanity and compassion that bridge the gap between the royals and the public, highlighting the power of empathy and shared experience in times of loss.
This led one royal insider to state: "For anyone who ever wonders what our royal family is for, this is a perfect example."
The Sun reported on the Wales' letter.