Princess of Wales Honors Late Photographer Liz Hatton on Women’s Day

London, England — The Princess of Wales paid a heartfelt tribute to the late photographer Liz Hatton on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2025. Hatton, who passed away at 17 from a rare and aggressive form of cancer, had expressed a desire to meet the royal as part of her bucket list during her battle with the illness.

In her tribute, Kate Middleton shared a post on social media celebrating Hatton’s creativity and resilience, stating, “Celebrating the strength and creativity of Liz and [her mother] Vicky Hatton. It was an honor meeting them both in Windsor in October. Liz’s memory lives on in Vicky’s unwavering resilience. Thank you for such a moving moment #IWD2025.”

Hatton, from North Yorkshire, was diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumors at age 16. Her mother, Vicky Robayna, revealed that doctors had given Liz a prognosis of six months to three years to live following her diagnosis in January 2024. Faced with this difficult news, Liz created a bucket list that included meeting the Princess of Wales.

On October 2024, Hatton’s dream came true when she met Kate during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. The Princess of Wales shared a photo from the meeting on social media, captioning it, “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.”

In an interview following their meeting, Liz expressed her surprise and joy, stating, “Talking to them was amazing, because it was just like talking to anyone… there was just humanity and kindness.”

Sadly, Liz passed away on November 28, 2024, just a few months after achieving her dream. Her family remembered her as not only a remarkable photographer but also an incredibly kind and brave young woman. They shared, “She remained determined to the last. Even the day before she was still making plans.”

The National Cancer Institute describes desmoplastic small round cell tumors as “very rare,” with around 200 cases recorded since 1989. These tumors typically arise in the abdomen or pelvic area and can significantly impact quality of life.

In her tribute, the Princess of Wales acknowledged Liz among the women who inspired her over the past year. The post served not only as a reminder of Liz’s impact but also highlighted the significant challenges faced by young individuals battling terminal illnesses.

Looking ahead, Princess Kate is expected to attend the Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration at Westminster Abbey on March 10, 2025, marking her first appearance at the event since missing it the previous year. This engagement reflects her ongoing commitment to supporting cancer awareness as she herself navigates her recovery journey, having recently announced her remission from cancer.