Liz Hatton, teen photographer who hugged Princess of Wales at Windsor, dies after cancer battle

A young photographer who hugged the Princess of Wales as part of her bucket list while battling cancer has died.

Liz Hatton, 17, made headlines around the world when she was photographed embracing Kate during a private meeting inside Windsor Castle in early October.

Her mum, Vicky Roboyna, confirmed the sad news on X, saying her daughter "remained determined to the last".

READ MORE: 'For Will, Kate, that throne looks closer': Monarchy's future questioned

Hatton died in the early hours of November 27, Roboyna said.

The teenager was diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumour, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, in January.

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

READ MORE: Palace reveals King Frederik, Queen Mary's Christmas plans

In May, Roboyna shared a bucket list of all the things Liz wanted to achieve while she had the time.

She had dropped her formal studies in favour of following her dream of photography and was invited to take photos of an Investiture by the Prince of Wales.

Liz then got to have a 30-minute personal chat with Prince William and Kate, soon after the princess had completed chemotherapy as part of her own cancer journey.

It was the first time Kate had been photographed back at work since finishing treatment.

Liz's photos from the investiture at the castle were later published by Kensington Palace.

READ MORE: Son of Norway's Crown Princess released after rape claims

In a personal message published on social media, the Prince and Princess said: "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 later said that William and Kate were "such lovely, genuine and kind people".

"I'm over the moon that my family and I had this experience," she added.

Liz's bucket list included a photoshoot with professional models, taking pictures of circus performers and publishing her images in major UK fashion magazines.

She was inundated with offers of help and was able to tick many wishes off her list.

Her mother said on X following her passing: "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.

"We have so much gratitude to every single one of you, whether you offered to help, or liked or shared posts – you ensured Liz's last two months were her very best. She flew high until the end."

Roboyna said there were "two last favours to ask". They included to "share one of her photos - on your social media, or in real life, however you can" and "help us with a mission to raise money to fund research into Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour".

There is currently no standard treatment for the type of cancer Liz had.

She was told the life-changing news two days after visiting a GP with abdominal pain during the Christmas holidays last year.

View gallery

All the defining photos of the British royal family in 2024

Following scans, doctors discovered Liz had tumours on both her ovaries and liver.

"Whether you can share, donate or raise funds – please be our village one more time," her mother said.

"Let's make this the last item on her bucket list and make sure other families don't face a similar fate."

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.