The Princess of Wales has taken to Instagram to share a heartfelt message with Royal fans. Kate commemorated International Women’s Day with a moving post in tribute to the gifted young photographer Liz Hatton, who tragically passed away at the age of 17 from cancer in November 2024.
The Royal wrote: “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.”
Alongside the tribute, Princess Kate shared a photograph of herself embracing Liz during their initial encounter at Windsor Castle the previous year, as well as a snapshot of her and Prince William with Liz and her family. At the time of their meeting, Kate expressed on social media: “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, sadly passed away last year after being diagnosed with terminal cancer in the form of an aggressive desmoplastic tumor, as announced by her mother on Instagram.
In January 2024, following her diagnosis, the late photographer compiled a bucket list that included meeting Kate. She was invited to Windsor Castle to photograph an investiture hosted by William and, unexpectedly, was also asked to join the couple for tea afterwards, reports the Mirror.
Kate, who has also been on a personal cancer journey, was photographed sharing a heartfelt hug with Liz. Despite their common battles, it was noted that the two did not discuss their cancer experiences, choosing instead to bond over their passion for photography.
Liz recounted to the BBC : “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 announced her own affliction with cancer in March 2024 and by September she disclosed via a video on social media that she had finished her chemotherapy treatment. Confirming the news of Liz’s tragic death in November, her mother Vicky told the Mail that the family were taking comfort from the fact that she had blazed such a trail in such a short space of time.
She shared: “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.”