The Prince and Princess of Wales have made a touching tribute to a British teenager who sadly died from a rare form of cancer on what would have been her 18th birthday.
Liz Hatton, 17, from Harrogate, North Yorkshire was diagnosed with an aggressive desmoplastic small round cell tumour and was given between six months to three years to live.
As a passionate photographer, Liz launched a photography bucket list in January.
As the list gained traction, Liz went on to photograph British comedian Michael McIntyre, the Royal Ballet, models from the Storm management agency, the London Air Ambulance, circus artists, doormen of hotels and even the red carpet at the MTV Europe Music Awards.
Liz even achieved one of her all-time dreams - working with one of her photography heroes, Rankin, at a photoshoot with models.
The project caught the attention of the palace, who invited Liz to take pictures of the Prince of Wales at an investiture in October.
Catherine, who faced cancer herself this year, and William, met with Liz and described her as a "talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both".
In November 2024, the brave teen’s mother, Vicky Robayna, announced on social media that Liz had tragically died.
She wrote that her daughter "remained determined to the last" and was still making plans for her future on Tuesday.
"We are so very proud of the kindness, empathy and courage she has shown in the last year," she wrote.
Ms Robayna added that Liz “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" she said.
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… pic.twitter.com/HbmyJYp0XD
— PumpkinsandPost-Its (@2ndtimeMama) November 27, 2024
The Prince and Princess have shared a photo as a tribute to the talented photographer.
Writing on X, the couple said: “Remembering Liz Hatton today on what would have been her 18th birthday.
The post accompanies a photo taken by Liz on the day the pair met, proudly on display in Windsor Castle. It says: “The photo shown in this image was taken by Liz during an Investiture at Windsor Castle in October 2024, and is on display today in the spot where it was taken.”
Remembering Liz Hatton today on what would have been her 18th birthday. The photo shown in this image was taken by Liz during an Investiture at Windsor Castle in October 2024, and is on display today in the spot where it was taken. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3awN3e7au9
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) August 31, 2025
Liz’s love for photography began in Year 6, when she saved up to buy her first camera. She achieved top marks in the subject at GCSE and went on to study it at A-level.
Speaking to the BBC, she previously said: "It's always been a hobby of mine.
"I like portraiture and I like looking at the emotion people experience and being able to capture that in a single image and freeze that moment.
"I think it's really quite magical”, she said.
On the occasion of her birthday, touching tributes have flooded X, remembering her strength, determination and talent.
Remembering her daughter, Ms Robayna writes: “Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever 17. Our beautiful, talented girl. “
Tomorrow should have been Liz’s 18th Birthday. In another world, and other lifetime she would no doubt have been out tonight celebrating with friends. I would have sat home worrying about whether she would be ok. It’s a worry that as I sit here tonight I would give anything to… pic.twitter.com/MKGy5SFjSa
— PumpkinsandPost-Its (@2ndtimeMama) August 30, 2025
Another writes: “Fly high, sweet Liz. Your talent and strength inspired us all.
Fly high, sweet Liz. Your talent and strength inspired us all. 👼🪽 pic.twitter.com/us2IZrkAFD
— Stephanie Sidley (@StephanieSidley) November 28, 2024
