The aspiring photographer Liz Hatton passed away at the age of 17 after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, and the Prince and Princess of Wales have paid a heartfelt tribute to her.
In a joint personal message, Prince William and Catherine 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. W & C.”
After being asked to photograph the Prince of Wales at an investiture, the Harrogate teen met Catherine at Windsor Castle in October.
After meeting Liz, Kensington Palace posted pictures of the Princess embracing her, calling her a “talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both.”
After receiving a cancer diagnosis earlier this year, Catherine completed her own chemotherapy in September and is gradually returning to her public responsibilities.
Liz’s mother, Vicky Robayna, paid tribute to her “wonderful daughter” when her family announced her passing on Wednesday night.
Ms Robayna announced on X: “Our incredible daughter Liz died in the early hours of this morning. She remained determined to the last.”
Photo: © Getty Images
“Even yesterday, she was still making plans. 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. There is a gaping Liz-shaped hole in our lives that I am not sure how we will ever fill.”
Liz’s bucket list included taking pictures of comedian Michael McIntyre, the Royal Ballet, circus acts, Storm Model Agency models, the London Air Ambulances from a helicopter, hotel doormen, the red carpet at the MTV Europe Music Awards, and a fashion shoot with renowned British photographer Rankin.
In addition to supporting the family’s efforts to fund research into Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor—for which there is no UK charity that specializes in the condition—Liz’s mother has asked people to share one of Liz’s pictures in remembrance of her with the hashtag #LizHatton.
To raise £100,000, Vicky has created a fundraising page at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/vicky-robayna.
