When the Prince and Princess of Wales bought pizza for mountain rescue workers, they met a man who left a lasting impression on them. That man was Peter Morris, a devoted father of two, who tragically passed away from cancer in May at the age of 47, not long after Kate received the news of his illness.
Touched by his passing, Prince William penned a heartfelt letter on Kensington Palace stationery, which was read at Peter’s funeral. In the letter, William expressed his deep sympathy, writing, “I can’t even begin to imagine what a huge hole he will leave in your life. My heart goes out to you and your family.”
He continued, “Catherine and I had a great time meeting Pete. We know Pete was a very dedicated and well-liked member of the community because of how people have responded to his death. I wanted you to know that you and your family are in our thoughts during this difficult time.”
The couple had first met Peter in April of the previous year when they bought 12 pizzas from his converted VW van, Little Dragon Pizza Van, for £127.50. The pizzas, which included margarita, pepperoni, BBQ chicken, and goat cheese, were gifted to the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team while they were at Dowlais Rugby Club in Merthyr Tydfil. Reflecting on the encounter, Peter had remarked, “They were really nice. When I was setting up the business, I never would have thought that one day I would serve the future king.”
Peter had initially beaten esophageal cancer, but tragically, it resurfaced in his adrenal gland and liver just four months after his encounter with the royals. Despite his passing within a year, the business he started continues to operate.
The letter from William will be framed as a keepsake for Peter’s two young daughters, aged eight and five. Tracey, Peter’s widow, expressed her surprise and gratitude, saying, “It was a huge surprise. I have no idea how they learned of Pete’s death. Perhaps, given Kate’s own experiences, it resonated with them. He often spoke of how down-to-earth they were.”
She added, “We received many heartfelt messages from those who knew and loved Pete, but the letter from William and Kate was especially touching.”
William’s letter, written with compassion and care, will remain a treasured memory for Tracey and her daughters, serving as a reminder of the impact Peter had on everyone he met.