Liz Hatton, who inspired Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, after pursuing a photography bucket list while facing a rare form of cancer, has died and tributes have been paid to her
The family of a teenage photographer who was hugged by the Princess of Wales has described the youngster as “the best human and the most wonderful daughter” following her death.
Liz Hatton’s mother Vicky Robayna led the tribute to the tragic 17-year-old girl who has died following a journey with a rare form of cancer. She praised Liz’s determination and courage as the teenager started a photography bucket list appeal in January and fulfilled many of those dreams.
These moments included a poignant encounter with Princess Kate, who was snapped hugging Liz at Windsor Castle in October. The teenager had been invited to take pictures of the Prince of Wales at an investiture.
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. 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, from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, was diagnosed with an aggressive desmoplastic small round cell tumour and given six months to three years to live. She died on Wednesday at home, it is thought around 11 months after the diagnosis.
Ms Robayna offered her thanks to those who helped the teenager fulfil her dreams in her final months and those who liked and supported her work, adding: “You ensured Liz’s last two months were her very best. She flew high until the end.”
She asked people to share one of Liz’s photos in tribute, under the hashtag #LizHatton, and also to support the family’s mission to fund research into Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour, which has no charity specialising in the disease in the UK.
Vicky has set up a fundraising page at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/vicky-robayna with a goal of raising £100,000. Kate, who herself was treated for cancer this year, and William, in a personal message earlier in the autumn, described Liz as a “talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both”.
Liz was joined at the Windsor Castle investiture by her mother, stepfather Aaron and brother Mateo. As part of her bucket list, she went on to photograph comedian Michael McIntyre, circus performers, the Royal Ballet, models from the Storm Model Agency, the London Air Ambulances from a helipad, hotel doormen, the red carpet at the MTV Europe Music Awards, and joined acclaimed British photographer Rankin to lead a fashion shoot.
Rankin previously paid tribute to her skill, telling the BBC: “The photos Liz has created… are really sophisticated images… She understands that it’s a creation.”
He added: “It’s been a real privilege actually, watching her. I’ve been pretty redundant. She did exactly what an experienced photographer would do. Got involved, gave people directions, almost became the captain of the ship.”
Liz fulfilled what her mother described as her “biggest wish”, spending two days with Los Angeles-based portrait photographer David Suh, who flew from the US to work with her.
Her project culminated in her own photography exhibition in London this month, showcasing her work. Ms Robayna said on X at the time: “Liz had her very own exhibition last week, the perfect culmination of her incredible achievements.
“As I walked around looking at her pictures, thinking about the circumstances many were taken under, I was more in awe of her than ever.”
But Ms Robayna also revealed two days ago how Liz had become increasingly tired and how they were due to be celebrating Christmas early as a family at the end of this week, adding: “We know our time is short now.”
The former Harrogate Grammar School student launched her own website devoted to her photography. It tells how she began taking photographs as soon as she could walk, saved to buy her first “real” camera aged nine and, at 11, chose her secondary school because they offered photography as a course.
She took GCSE photography and began her A-level to refine her skill. Taking photographs also helped Liz cope with her constant pain.
“Every time she picks up her camera and focuses on new and exciting shoots it helps to distract her from the constant pain that she feels every second of every day. When taking photographs, the rest of the world doesn’t seem to matter as much,” the site said.
