The Princess of Wales has paid tribute to a teenage photographer whose ‘creativity’ inspired her – on what would have been her 18th birthday.
Liz Hatton, from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, passed away in November last year after beginning a photography bucket list appeal in January.
The avid picture taker had been diagnosed with an aggressive desmoplastic small round cell tumour and was given six months and three years to live.
Liz was photographed hugging Kate at Windsor Castle in October after being invited to take pictures of the Prince of Wales at an investiture.
In a personal message the Princess of Wales and William described her then as a ‘talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both’.
The comments came following Kate’s own treatment for cancer this year.
Now, the Prince and Princess of Wales have shared an emotional tribute to Liz on what would have been her 18th birthday.
The Royals said: ‘Remembering Liz Hatton today on what would have been her 18th birthday.
‘The photo shown in this image was taken by Liz during an Investiture at Windsor Castle in October 2024, and is on display today in the spot where it was taken.’
Shared to X, the message was complete with a heart emoji and two shots of Liz’s own photograph which portrayed a royal guardsman.
Liz’s mother, Vicky Robayna, had said following Liz’s death her daughter had ‘remained determined to the last’ and was still making plans for her future the day before.
She described Liz as ‘not only a phenomenal photographer’ but ‘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,’ she said.
‘There is a gaping Liz-shaped hole in our lives that I am not sure how we will ever fill.’
Liz took up photography in Year 6 after saving up to buy her first camera.
She obtained the highest possible grade in the subject at GCSE before starting an A-level in it at Harrogate Grammar School.
She previously told BBC Radio York: ‘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.’