Princess Catherine of Wales is commemorating the life of British teenager Liz Hatton, who recently passed away after being diagnosed with a rapidly progressing and uncommon type of cancer. Hatton was diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumors in January 2024 at the age of 16, as reported by British news outlet Sky News. Following her diagnosis, doctors informed Hatton and her mother, Vicky Roboyna, that she had just six months to three years to live.
Despite her challenging circumstances, Hatton, a budding photographer, created a “bucket list” of experiences and images she hoped to capture before her passing. One of her aspirations was to photograph a member of the royal family. In October 2024, she fulfilled this wish by meeting and hugging former Kate Middleton at Windsor Castle. The official social media account for the Prince and Princess of Wales shared photos of the touching moment, expressing admiration for Hatton’s talent, creativity, and resilience.
Following the memorable encounter, Hatton shared her photos on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and the warm reception she received from the royal couple. Sadly, about a month later, Hatton’s family announced her passing at the age of 17 with a heartfelt tribute to her strength, empathy, and courage throughout her battle with cancer.
Desmoplastic small round cell tumors, a rare form of cancer that typically originates in the abdominal or pelvic regions, affected Hatton, with only around 200 recorded cases since 1989. In a touching tribute on International Women’s Day, Princess Catherine honored Hatton’s legacy and included her in a list of inspirational women who had made an impact over the past year, acknowledging the strength and creativity that Liz had exhibited during her short but remarkable life.
In October, both of them were in Windsor. Vicky’s unwavering resilience keeps Liz’s memory alive. Thank you for such a touching moment. #IWD2025 https://t.co/UOeY8gmv3h— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 8, 2025Kate commented, “Liz’s memory lives on in Vicky’s unwavering resilience. Thank you for such a touching moment.”The Princess of Wales shared in January that she is now in remission from cancer. She made the announcement on Instagram alongside a photo of her visit to a cancer patient at the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she was also treated and now serves as a joint patron. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)”I am relieved to be in remission and am focused on my recovery. Adapting to a new normal takes time, as anyone who has faced a cancer diagnosis knows,” Kate stated. “I am looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead with much to anticipate. Thank you all for your ongoing support.”This article was first published on TODAY.com
