Teen photographer who shared special moment with Kate Middleton dies
Liz Hatton, a teenager who inspired Kate Middleton while pursuing her photography bucket list, has sadly passed away following her battle with a rare form of cancer.
The 17-year-old made headlines around the world when she was photographed embracing the Princess of Wales during a private meeting inside Windsor Castle in early October.
Liz's mother, Vicky Robayna, confirmed that the teenager had passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Robanya wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that Liz had "remained determined to the last" and was still making plans for her future on Tuesday.
"We are so very proud of the kindness, empathy and courage she has shown in the last year," she wrote.
Liz began pursuing her photography bucket list in January after being diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumour, a rare and aggressive form of cancer and given between six months and three years to live by doctors.
She had dropped her formal studies in favour of following her dream of photography, and in October, she was invited by the Prince of Wales to take photos at an investiture.
The teenager also had a 30-minute personal chat with the royal couple, and her photos at Windsor Castle were later published by Kensington Palace.
In a personal message, the Prince and Princess of Wales described Liz as a "talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both".
Liz's mother also wrote that not only was she "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," she said.
"There is a gaping Liz-shaped hole in our lives that I am not sure how we will ever fill."
She also thanked everyone who helped the teenager fulfil her dreams in her final months, and for those who supported her work.
"You ensured Liz's last two months were her very best. She flew high until the end."
There is currently no standard treatment for the type of cancer Liz had, and no charity specialising in the disease in the UK.
Roboyna said that there were "two last favours to ask", and they included sharing one of Liz's photos in tribute and "help us with a mission to raise money to fund research into Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour".
"Whether you can share, donate or raise funds – please be our village one more time," her mother said.
"Let's make this the last item on her bucket list and make sure other families don't face a similar fate."
Image: Kensington Palace/ X