On October 2, 2024, at Windsor Castle, 16-year-old Liz Hatton, who is bravely battling cancer, experienced what she called a "massive shock" when she had the chance to meet Princess Kate and her husband, Prince William. The occasion was special; Liz, who is from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, was invited to photograph the investiture ceremony where various individuals received honors for their outstanding contributions to society.
Liz has been diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumor, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, and received the tough news from doctors earlier this year: she has between six months and three years to live. Despite these grim projections, Liz has chosen to embrace life courageously, filling it with experiences and memories.
During her interview with BBC Radio 4, Liz described her encounter with the royal couple. "None of us were really expecting it necessarily—except for my little brother apparently!" she explained, chuckling about the surprise of the meeting. She noted how easily approachable the royals were, stating, "Talking to them was amazing because it was like talking to anyone, just a normal person. There was no sort of grandeur about them, there was just humanity and kindness."
Liz's mother, Vicky Robayna, shared how the meeting was transformative for her family. She recalled, "They were just very kind and welcoming and thoughtful," emphasizing how generous the royal couple was with their time and attention. Vicky expressed her gratitude for the incredible day they had, explaining how it highlighted Liz's bravery and talent to the world.
Before receiving the invitation to Windsor, Liz had created a photography bucket list inspired by her love of capturing moments through her camera lens. This bucket list emerged following her diagnosis, with aspirations to photograph significant events and people she admired. Vicky had begun sharing this list on social media, hoping to fulfill some of the items on it to create lasting memories for her daughter.
Joining her mother and younger brother Mateo at Windsor, Liz had the opportunity to capture images of Prince William presenting honors to notable personalities, including professional athletes, artists, and community heroes. The day was both memorable and heartfelt as Liz's photos were later shared on the official Kensington Palace social media accounts, drawing attention to her talent and strength.
Following the investiture, Liz and her family met privately with William and Kate. The royal couple shared their admiration for Liz's creativity and strength, thanking her for sharing her story. “A pleasure to meet with Liz at Windsor today. A talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both,” the royals posted on their social media. Their message included heartfelt emojis, underscoring their genuine appreciation for Liz.
For Liz, this meeting was unexpectedly monumental. She shared on social media, "Such lovely, genuine, and kind people. I’m over the moon my family and I had this experience." This sentiment echoed the feelings of her family, who felt honored by the royals' attention.
Kate, the Princess of Wales, has her own cancer story. Having recently completed her chemotherapy treatment, she empathized with Liz on many levels. This shared experience seemed to forge a connection between the two, highlighting not only their strength but also the support they offered each other during difficult times.
Both Liz’s mother and doctors had worked hard to find ways for Liz to engage with her passions amid trying circumstances. They ensured Liz received opportunities to pursue moments she cherished, such as photography for high-profile events. Liz’s bucket list includes aspirations to photograph West End musicals and celebrity events, showcasing her ambitious spirit.
Liz's story has drawn public attention, not only because of her talent and bravery but also due to the encouragement she has received from the community. Her mother stated, "The whole team at Windsor Castle went completely out of their way to make it the most incredible experience possible for her," expressing gratitude for the efforts taken to make Liz feel special.
Hatton's case exemplifies the reality faced by many young cancer patients today who aim to fill their lives with experiences and positive memories. Liz’s story has inspired many, presenting her as both courageous and talented—qualities the royal family recognized when they decided to meet her.
After news of the touching encounter broke, public support for Liz grew, with several organizations reaching out to offer photographic opportunities and experiences. Liz has since been offered various chances to document events, such as photography projects with the Royal Marines and invitations to showcase her work at artistic festivals.
Liz expressed the importance of making memories for herself and her family during this challenging time, stating, "I want to fill my life with as many good experiences as I can because those happy memories are what’s going to be what’s important not just to me but to the people around me who experience them with me." This philosophy has grounded Liz and her family as they navigate the uncertainties of her illness.
Through her dedication and passion for photography, Liz continues to shine as a beacon of resilience. Her story is not just about battling cancer but also about cherishing all of life’s moments, big or small. She remains committed to her photography, ready to capture memories one shot at a time. The encounter with Princess Kate and Prince William is just one of many experiences Liz hopes to add to her remarkable photographic portfolio, showing everyone the beauty and strength found within her story.”
