Talented young photographer Liz Hatton sadly passed away at the age of 17 in November – and the Princess of Wales has now taken to social media to honour the teen
The Princess of Wales has taken to Instagram to share a poignant message with royal fans.
Kate marked International Women’s Day with a touching post honouring talented photographer Liz Hatton, who died at age 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.”
Princess Kate’s tribute was shared alongside a photo of the royal embracing Liz when the pair first met at Windsor Castle last year, as well as another of her and Prince William posing with Liz and her family.
At the time of their meeting, Kate wrote 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 W&C.”
Liz, from North Yorkshire in England, died last year after being diagnosed with terminal cancer in the form of an aggressive desmoplastic tumor, her mother had previously announced on Instagram.
In January 2024, the late photographer created a bucket list — which included meeting Kate — after learning of her cancer diagnosis. She was invited to Windsor Castle to photograph an investiture William was holding and, to her surprise, was asked to have tea with the couple afterwards.
Kate, who has recently gone through her own cancer journey, was pictured giving Liz an emotional hug, although it was reported that the pair pointedly did not discuss their respective experiences but instead focused 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 announced her own cancer diagnosis in March 2024. Months later, in September, she revealed in a video message shared on social media that she had completed 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 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.”
