Princess Kate shares touching tribute to young photographer who died of rare and incurable cancer aged just 17
PRINCESS Kate has shared a touching tribute to a young photographer who died of a rare and incurable cancer aged just 17.
Liz Hatton passed away in the early hours yesterday at her home in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
Hatton was pictured being hugged by Kate at Windsor Castle in October after being invited to take pictures of the Prince of Wales at an investiture.
Paying tribute, Princess Kate said: “We are so sorry to hear that Liz Hatton has sadly passed away.
“It was an honour to have met such a brave and humble young woman.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Liz’s parents Vicky and Aaron and her brother Mateo at this unimaginably difficult time.”
The photograph of the pair embracing touched the hearts of many with Kate hailing the teenager for inspiring her and husband William with her strength and creativity.
The event also marked the Princess of Wales’ return to work after she had gone through her own cancer battle this year.
Kate, who dabbles in photography herself, told the nation she had cancer in March and stepped away from duties following the announcement.
Hatton’s sad passing comes less than a year after she was diagnosed with an incurable and rare form of cancer.
Her mum posted a tribute to X on Wednesday night, saying her daughter remained determined to the very end.
Vicky Robayna said: “We are so very proud of the kindness, empathy and courage she has shown in the last year.
“She was not only a phenomenal photographer, she was the best human, and the most wonderful daughter and big sister we could ever have asked for.
“No one could have fought harder for life than she did.”
Hatton began a photography bucket list appeal in January after her cancer diagnosis.
She was invited to Windsor Castle to photograph an investiture ceremony William was holding after word reached the prince about her dream.
Surprisingly, she asked to have tea with the royal couple afterwards where she was snapped hugging Kate.
The royals posted about the meeting: “A pleasure to meet with Liz at Windsor today.
“A talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both. Thank you for sharing your photos and story with us.”
Hatton was joined at the castle by mum Robayna, step-dad Aaron and brother Mateo.
She posted about the meeting, saying: “Such lovely, genuine and kind people, I’m over the moon that my family and I had this experience.”
“It was my absolute pleasure to meet everyone and take photos today at Windsor, it was a great honour and was essentially a dream come true, so I truly hope to be part of any and all future events!”
Hatton was diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumour in January, and given between six months and three years to live.
Her bucket list included a number of different types of photography that she wanted to complete before her passing.
Hatton also photographed a movie premier, London Fashion Week, and the Royal Variety Show.
William learned about her via the London Air Ambulance Charity, which he is patron of.
Kate returned to work just days after revealing she had completed her chemotherapy.
Kate has spoken about her cancer fighting, saying it was a “relief” her treatment had ended: “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family.”
She also vowed to remain “side by side” with others fighting the disease.
Robayna has set up a GoFundMe for her daughter, which has raised £50,000 – blowing away a £25,000 target.
She has subsequently set up another fundraiser to raise £100,000 to donate into research for the rare form of cancer.
Timeline of Kate's health battle & recovery
JAN 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
MAR 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo and is snapped in the car with William
Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at a farm shop near Windsor
Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published a video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
MAR 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis
April 29: Kate and William mark 13th anniversary releasing unseen wedding photos
June 8: Kate does not attend Colonel’s Review but letter she penned to Irish Guards reveals she said: “I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon”
June 14: Kate attended Trooping the Colour alongside her family
July 14: Kate attended the Wimbledon Men’s Final with Princess Charlotte
September 9: Kate reveals she’s finished chemotherapy with an intimate video showing family life
September 17: Princess returns to work at Windsor Castle hosting chat with early years charity chiefs