Young Photographer Who Inspired Princess Catherine Dies After Cancer Battle

A young photographer, known for inspiring Catherine, Princess of Wales, through her pursuit of a photography bucket list while battling a rare cancer, has passed away. Liz Hatton, aged 17, from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning, as confirmed by her mother, Vicky Robayna, on social media. Writing on X, previously known as Twitter, Ms. Robayna stated that Liz had “remained determined to the last” and was actively planning for her future as recently as Tuesday. “We are so very proud of the kindness, empathy and courage she has shown in the last year,” her mother added. Liz initiated a photography bucket list appeal in January, following her diagnosis with an aggressive desmoplastic small round cell tumour, which doctors estimated would give her between six months and three years to live. In October, she was photographed being embraced by Catherine at Windsor Castle, an event that occurred after she received an invitation to photograph the Prince of Wales at an investiture ceremony. Catherine, who underwent cancer treatment this year, and William, conveyed a personal message describing Liz as a “talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both”. Ms. Robayna further shared on X 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,” her mother stated. She added, “There is a gaping Liz-shaped hole in our lives that I am not sure how we will ever fill.” Ms. Robayna extended her gratitude to individuals who assisted the teenager in realizing her aspirations during her final months and to those who appreciated and supported her work, remarking: “You ensured Liz’s last two months were her very best. She flew high until the end.” She requested that people share one of Liz’s photographs as a tribute and also contribute to the family’s initiative to fund research into desmoplastic small round cell tumour, a condition for which no specialized charity exists in the UK. Liz developed an interest in photography in Year 6, having saved money to purchase her initial camera. She achieved the highest possible grade in the subject at GCSE level, subsequently commencing an A-level course in photography at Harrogate Grammar School. She had previously informed BBC Radio York, stating: “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.” Merely weeks prior to her passing, Liz collaborated with Rankin, one of her photography idols, during a photoshoot involving professional models. Following the session, model Fifi Anicah commented that the photographs taken by the teenager were among her “favourite pictures of all time”. Her bucket list also included photographing comedian Michael McIntyre, circus performers, the Royal Ballet, models from the Storm Model Agency, the London Air Ambulances from a helipad, hotel doormen, and the red carpet at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Just last week, she was present at an exhibition showcasing her work, which was hosted by British Land and Getty Images in London.