Kate Middleton and Prince William’s Heartfelt Tribute to Teen with Cancer
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A touching story of compassion and support unfolded when Kate Middleton and Prince William stepped in to fulfill the dream of a brave teenager battling cancer. Liz Hatton, a teen photographer from Harrogate, Yorkshire, captured hearts with her determination to complete a series of ‘bucket list’ photography assignments before succumbing to a rare and aggressive abdominal cancer in November 2024.
The family of Liz Hatton cherishes lasting memories of the unwavering support they received from Kate Middleton and Prince William during their daughter’s cancer journey. In a heartwarming gesture, the Prince and Princess of Wales presented the family with a special rose that blooms every November in memory of Liz.
Every November, Vicky Robayna, Liz’s mother, witnesses the blossoming of the Ice N Roses Early Rose in her garden—a poignant reminder of the kindness shown by Kate and Prince William. Liz’s story resonated globally, particularly with Princess Kate, who was undergoing cancer treatment of her own during the same period.
The royal couple’s involvement began when Vicky appealed on social media for help in fulfilling Liz’s photography dream. Through a contact at an air ambulance charity supported by Prince William, Liz was invited to photograph a royal event at Windsor Castle, capturing the moment when William presented honors to deserving Britons.
During the visit to Windsor Castle in October 2024, Kate surprised Liz by embracing her warmly, along with her family, creating a cherished memory for all. The genuine kindness shown by the royal couple left a lasting impact on Liz, who admired their down-to-earth nature and warmth, especially towards her shy brother, Mateo.
Vicky recalls feeling enveloped in care and support by the royal couple and their attentive staff, describing the experience as akin to being embraced by an extended family. Liz had been diagnosed with a rare sarcoma, prompting Vicky and her husband Aaron to establish Capture, the world’s first charity dedicated to her disease, raising over $163,000 for research and awareness.
Kate’s support extended beyond Liz’s passing, with the family attending events like a holiday carol service and a garden party at Buckingham Palace. Vicky expresses gratitude for Kate’s ongoing support and is thankful for the opportunity to convey the difference the royal couple made in Liz’s life and their own.
Despite her illness, Liz’s passion for photography never wavered, and she wanted the world to know about Kate’s kindness towards her. Vicky emphasises Liz’s courage in sharing her cancer journey to raise awareness and highlight the positivity of her experience, dispelling misconceptions surrounding palliative care.
The support and care demonstrated by Kate and Prince William continue to resonate with Liz’s family, with Vicky sharing Mateo’s positive memories of his sister that have helped him navigate his grief. Through their kindness and compassion, the royal couple played a pivotal role in helping Liz fulfil her photography dreams.
The impact of Liz’s journey and the support she received from Kate and William serve as a poignant reminder of the power of empathy and kindness in the face of adversity. As the family treasures the memories of Liz, they find solace in the positivity and love that surrounded her, thanks to the unwavering support of the royal couple.