The Prince and Princess of Wales have paid homage to a teen photographer who died of cancer. Liz Hatton, 17, of Harrogate, died in the early hours of Wednesday morning, her mother Vicky Robayna confirmed on social media. In a statement, William and Kate said, “We are so sorry to hear that Liz Hatton has sadly passed away.” They stated that it had been “an honour to have met such a brave and humble young woman” , further stating:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Liz’s parents Vicky and Aaron and her brother Mateo at this unimaginably difficult time.”Liz launched a photographic bucket list appeal in January after being diagnosed with an aggressive desmoplastic small round cell cancer and given six months to three years to live. She was photographed being hugged by Kate at Windsor Castle in October after being allowed to photograph William at an investiture.
Kate, who was treated for cancer this year, and William previously described Liz as a “talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both”. Liz’s mother stated that her daughter “remained determined to the last”. “We are really pleased of the generosity, understanding, and courage she has demonstrated throughout the past 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.” Liz was a “remarkable young person whose presence enriched our school community” at Harrogate Grammar School, where she finished her GCSEs and began studying for her A-levels before being diagnosed with cancer. “She was curious about the world, refreshingly open, and known for her honesty and cheerful attitude.
“An incredible photographer, we remember her smile and straight-talking sense of humour.”According to Kerry Reeves-Kneip, a spokesman for the bone and soft tissue cancer charity Sarcoma UK, Liz’s “remarkable” photograph with Kate “captured a moment of genuine human connection that resonated with people around the world”.
“Her passing is a stark reminder of the urgent need for continued research and better treatments for sarcoma – a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects too many young lives.” According to the organization, an average of 12 cases of desmoplastic small round cell tumour are diagnosed in England each year.Liz had collaborated with one of her photography heroes, Rankin, in a photoshoot featuring professional models just a few weeks before her death.
After the shoot, model Fifi Anicah stated that the photos taken by the adolescent were among her “favourite pictures of all time”. Liz’s bucket list includes photographs of comedian Michael McIntyre, circus performers, the Royal Ballet, Storm Model Agency models, London Air Ambulances, and the MTV Europe Music Awards red carpet.