Princess Kate and said they are “so sorry” after a “brave and humble” teenage photographer they worked with died from cancer.

The Princess of Wales hugged Liz Hatton during a meeting in Windsor in October after inviting the 17-year-old to take pictures of the Prince of Wales during an investiture ceremony.

Hatton had a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Her mother Vicky Roboyna announced the tragic news on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday.

William and Kate responded in a on their own official account on Thursday: “We are so sorry to hear that Liz Hatton has sadly passed away. It was an honour to have met such a brave and humble young woman.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Liz’s parents Vicky and Aaron and her brother Mateo at this unimaginably difficult time. W & C.”

Roboyna : “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.

“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.”

Kate’s meeting with Liz at Windsor in October was a rare work meeting for the princess in a year dominated by her chemotherapy treatment.

It was one of only four official work events she has had since announcing the end of her treatment in September.

She would later visit Southport, in the northwest of England, on October 10, before attending two remembrance events in November.

“A pleasure to meet with Liz at Windsor today,” Kate and William wrote in October, “a talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both. Thank you for sharing your photos and story with us W&C.”

Hatton at the time responded through her stories: “Such lovely, genuine and kind people. I’m over the moon that my family had this experience.”

Williams Brown is Regalrumination.com‘s chief royal correspondent based in London. You can find him on X (formerly ) at and read his stories on Regalrumination.com‘s .

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