A former cathedral dean whose morning prayer videos featuring his crafty cats went viral has died.

Tributes have flooded in for Dr Robert Willis – who retired as the Dean of Canterbury two years ago – after he died “suddenly and peacefully” yesterday.

Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, based in the US, shared an emotional tribute from his partner Fletcher Banner.

“It is with great sadness I have to tell you all of Dean Robert’s passing,” he said.

“After a brief illness whilst at Yale in America, Robert suffered heart failure and died last night.

“Robert was a man of great faith and intellect whose greatest joy was to share his life with others.

“This has been particularly so since we left Canterbury and have been welcomed elsewhere all over the world.

“Robert has been my partner in life and ministry for more than 20 wonderful years. Like me, I am sure you will carry his memory in your hearts.

“Details of the funeral, which will take place in New Haven to follow, and of a memorial service next year at Salisbury Cathedral.”

Dr Willis hosted pilgrims from Berkeley Divinity School while he was the Dean of Canterbury between 2001 and 2022. He received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity in 2009. He was also the Dean of Hereford between 1992 and 2000.

Educated at the University of Warwick and then at Oxford, he ministered in Shrewsbury, Salisbury, Tisbury and Sherborne Abbey before his leadership of the two cathedrals.

In a post online, Canterbury Cathedral shared: “We’re deeply saddened to hear that Robert Willis, our former Dean, has died. Our thoughts and prayers are with Fletcher, their family and friends.

“Robert was much-loved and had a profound effect in his 22 years of service at the Cathedral.

“May he rest In peace and rise in glory.”

Dr Willis and his morning prayer videos went viral during the Covid lockdown – thanks to his craft cat.

In one hilarious video, the mischievous mog called Tiger can be seen eyeing up a jug on a table while the dean delivers a sermon.

He leaps up to discover Dr Willis' milk beside a teapot - presumably left there for his morning brew.

The cunning cat continuously dabs his paw in the jug and licks it.

Unaware of Tiger's tricks, Dr Willis eventually catches him in the act.

"Sorry, we have acquired a friend this morning," he tells his viewers during the livestream.

During another funny video, Tiger's nephew Leo was caught disappearing beneath his robes and became a viral sensation.

Canterbury MP Rosie Duffield is among those who have paid tribute to him.

“I am so desperately sad to learn of the death of my dear friend Robert,” she wrote.

“I was with him a few days ago, sharing an evening with friends. This doesn't seem real yet.”

Former Ashford MP Damian Green said: “This is very sad news. A lovely and holy man.”

Berkley Divinity School offered its “profound thanks” to Dr Willis’ “long and faithful ministry”.