Teenager who met Princess of Wales dies at 17 after being diagnosed with rare cancer

A teenage photographer who met the Princess of Wales while pursuing his photography bucket list after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer has died.

Liz Hatton was in the photo hugging Kate after the princess invited her to take photos of the Prince of Wales during his investiture at Windsor Castle in October.

The 17-year-old from Harrogate started her photography wishlist appeal in January after she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

She was given between six months and three years to live.

Announcing her death on X, her mother Vicky Roboyna said: “Our amazing daughter Liz passed away this morning. She remained determined to the end.

“Even yesterday, she was still making plans. We are very proud of the kindness, empathy and courage she showed last year.

“Not only was she a phenomenal photographer, but she was also the best person and the greatest daughter and older sister we could have ever dreamed of.

“No one could have fought for life harder than her. There’s a big Liz-shaped hole in our lives that I’m not sure how we’ll ever fill.”

As a tribute, she asked people to share one of Liz’s photos using the hashtag #LizHatton and to support the family’s mission to fund research into the desmoplastic small round cell tumors that Liz was diagnosed with.

She has set up a JustGiving fundraising page with the aim of raising £100,000.

In a personal message on social media after meeting Liz in October, William and Kate wrote: “It’s a pleasure to meet Liz in Windsor today.

“A talented young photographer whose creativity and strength inspired us both. Thank you for sharing your photos and story with us. TOILETS.”

Checking items off her bucket list, Liz photographed comedian Michael McIntyre, the MTV Europe Music Awards red carpet, the London Ambulance Service from the helipad and joined renowned photographer Rankin for a fashion shoot.