Teen photographer Liz Hatton dies after meeting Kate Middleton

In the United Kingdom, Liz Hatton, a 17-year-old aspiring photographer, lost her battle with cancer after a 10-month struggle. Before her passing, she was given a significant opportunity when she met Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, at Windsor Castle in October. This meeting sparked a series of once-in-a-lifetime experiences for Liz, including taking photographs at high-profile events such as the Royal Variety Show and participating in a fashion shoot with renowned photographer Rankin. Liz’s passion for photography blossomed after her encounter with the royal couple, which filled her final months with joy and purpose, as she was able to capture moments with various celebrities, including comedian Michael McIntyre and performers from the Royal Ballet. Victoria Robayna, Liz’s mother, shared that this royal connection brought immense happiness to Liz in her last weeks, stating that it helped fulfill important dreams during her illness. She mentioned how Liz maintained her independence and optimism, despite the challenges of her diagnosis, a rare Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor. Liz had approached her illness not with fear, but with a desire to make memories with her younger brother, Mateo, which further fueled her drive to embrace photography as a means of expressing herself and connecting with others. Throughout her illness, Liz engaged in conversations with Kate about photography, which allowed them to bond over their shared interests and passions. This meeting came shortly after Kate had completed her own chemotherapy treatment, making their interaction even more poignant. Liz also made the choice to donate her body to the University of Glasgow's medical department to contribute to improving treatments for her illness, showing her commitment to helping others even after her passing. In her final days, Liz's family cherished special moments spent with her, such as watching her favorite series and wrapping Christmas presents. Liz left instructions for her cremation and wished for her ashes to be made into a Jellycat toy, a decision reflecting her desire for a unique and meaningful remembrance. Her mother expressed gratitude for the kindness shown to Liz by the Prince and Princess of Wales, emphasizing how their support made her daughter's final months happier and more fulfilling.