Tributes to former Sunday Mirror editor Peter Willis continue to pour in as the impact of his sudden death is felt across royal, celebrity and media landscapes.
Prince Charles was among the first to praise Peter, 54, a father of two boys and one of Fleet Street’s most respected journalists.
Charles spoke of Peter’s “deep compassion”.
And TV mogul Simon Cowell was “in awe” of Peter’s commitment to the Mirror’s Pride of Britain awards, which he pioneered to hail ordinary Brits who did extraordinary things.
Peter’s death, on June 25, was announced last Monday.
With an easy smile, a twinkle in his eye and a thoughtful approach, he was far from the stereotype of a tabloid journalist.
He had unbridled enthusiasm, irresistible humour, immense drive and bags of charm – with sensitivity and humility in abundance.
Peter made friends across the industry – even those on rival papers adored him – as well as in the world of celebrity and politics.
He would persuade the likes of David Beckham, Diana Ross and Nicole Scherzinger to appear at Pride of Britain – his persistence forgiven once they experienced the moving ceremony, hosted by Carol Vorderman.
In his personal life, Peter was utterly devoted to journalist wife Nicky Dawson and their two boys, who he never tired of talking about.
He became Daily Mirror editor in 2012 – taking over at the Sunday Mirror and People in 2018.
He always showed empathy, support and care for staff – and the sharpest of eyes for a story. Under his leadership, the Sunday Mirror’s agenda-setting scoops included the first interview with Prince Philip car crash victim Emma Fairweather and rugby star Gareth Thomas’ revelation that he was living with HIV.
The latter resulted in a huge spike in people protecting their health by getting tested for the virus.
Peter also oversaw our respected mental health campaign Time to Change.
He was dedicated to newspapers, believing our words could make a difference to the man and woman in the street.
He felt papers should reflect all aspects of society and champion the reader.
And the tributes paid this past week reflected that passion.
GMB host Susanna Reid described him as “the heart and soul” of Pride of Britain, ex-Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan called him a “brilliant journalist” and Kate Garraway said his work was “groundbreaking, tireless and embodied the essence of his spirit”.
Prince Charles said: “I was struck by his deep compassion for young people helped by my Trust.
“Peter never shied away from stories of people who struggled with drugs, homelessness, imprisonment or mental health issues and managed to turn their lives around. The positive impact of telling their stories will be a significant part of his legacy.”
PM Boris Johnson said: “He was the legend of the Mirror. Pride of Britain shone a light on the everyday heroism of so many.”
And Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: “He cared deeply about others.”
Peter started at the Manchester Evening News, aged 18.
He worked at The Sun, the Express and the Star before joining the Daily Mirror in 1997.
His latest role was Mirror executive editor.
Peter had an acute sense of history and when the anniversary of VE Day or Remembrance Sunday came around he took pride in telling the stories of the struggles and sacrifices of those ordinary people who made modern Britain.
Outside work, Peter had a kind word for everyone, made every leaving speech hilarious and was often first to get up and dance at office parties.
When colleagues said he was unfit, he ran the London Marathon to prove them wrong.
Once Peter decided to do something, he made it happen.
Lloyd Embley, group editor-in-chief of Sunday Mirror publisher Reach PLC, said his contribution was “enormous”.
He said: “Without Peter’s drive, creativity and tenacity, Pride of Britain would never have become the national institution it is.
"He always knew what was needed to add that extra magic and sparkle to the event every year – and he never gave up in his pursuit of perfection. It was something to behold."
