The Princess of Wales has taken to Instagram to share a poignant message with royal fans, following the death of a talented teenager who she met last year
The Princess of Wales reached out to her followers on Instagram with a heartfelt message, as Kate remembered International Women’s Day by paying tribute to the gifted young photographer Liz Hatton, who tragically lost her battle with cancer at just 17 back in November 2024.
In an heartbreaking post, the royal shared: “Celebrating the strength, resilience and creativity of Liz and her mother Vicky, it was an honour meeting them both at Windsor in November. Liz’s memory lives on in Vicky’s unwavering resilience. Thank you for such a moving moment.”
Accompanying Princess Kate’s tribute were images capturing her warm embrace with Liz during their first encounter at Windsor Castle last year, and another photo showing her with Prince William together with Liz and her family.
In an earlier social media statement, at the time of their meeting, Kate expressed: “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 WandC.”
Liz, from North Yorkshire, England, died was last year after a terminal diagnosis of an aggressive desmoplastic tumour, her mother had previously announced on Instagram, reports the Mirror.
Following this devastating news in January 2024, Liz put together a bucket list which included her wish to meet the Princess – a dream fulfilled when she was unexpectedly invited to not only capture images during an investiture hosted by William but also to enjoy tea with the royal couple afterwards.
Kate, who has also faced her own battle with cancer, was photographed sharing a heartfelt embrace with Liz.
Although it was reported that the pair did not discuss their experiences with cancer, instead focusing on their shared love of photography.
Liz later told the BBC of the meeting: “It was just a massive shock … None of us were expecting it, necessarily … Talking to them was amazing, because it was just like talking to anyone … there was just humanity and kindness.”
Kate publicly announced her cancer diagnosis in March 2024 and by September, she shared via a social media video that she had finished chemotherapy.
The sad news of Liz’s passing in November was confirmed by her mother Vicky to the Mail.
She shared that the family had taken solace in the fact Liz had made such an impact in such a short space of time.
She said: “Our lovely Liz died in the early hours of this morning. She remained determined to her last. Even yesterday she was telling me that I had better get nurses sorted so she could do more things.
“She went out in a blaze of glory with almost everyone she cared about seeing her for the last time at her exhibition last week. I could not be prouder of her.
“She has faced every day with unbelievable bravery. And now it’s our turn to do her proud and give her brother the life she expects us to. She was never scared of dying but she was terrified of leaving him behind. It’s our job to make that a little easier for her.”
