16-year-old budding photographer Liz Hatton, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer earlier this year, had a deeply emotional and unexpected experience at Windsor Castle this week. Not only did she meet the Princess of Wales but she also received a heartfelt hug from her, a moment Hatton said she will treasure for the rest of her life.
“A pleasure to meet with Liz at Windsor today.A talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both,” the royal couple shared on their official social media account.
Hatton expressed her gratitude, calling the meeting a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and her mother echoed the sentiment, adding that the day was unforgettable for their family.
In January, Hatton’s cancer was discovered after she experienced abdominal pain, leading doctors to find tumours on her ovaries and liver. The illness changed her life in a matter of weeks, just as she and her family had been looking at universities.
Diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumour, an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer, Hatton’s prognosis left her with only six months to three years to live.
Hatton’s story reached the Prince and Princess of Wales through William’s involvement with London’s Air Ambulance Charity. The royal couple invited Hatton to Windsor Castle to photograph a private royal award ceremony, where Hatton’s talents as a photographer were not only admired but celebrated.
As per the CBS News, the royal invitation came following a social media post from her mother, Vicky Robayna, sharing her daughter’s photography bucket list.
Her mother, in an effort to fulfil her daughter’s wishes, posted the photography bucket list in May, hoping to create cherished memories for Hatton in the time she had. The list included ambitious goals like photographing a West End musical, London Fashion Week, and famous music festivals.
Although photographing a royal event wasn’t on the list, her mother welcomed any photography-related opportunities to help her daughter live a life full of joy in her remaining time.
After the event, William and Kate posed with Hatton and her family for a few photographs. Kate, who is an amateur photographer herself, praised Hatton’s work, stating that her creativity and strength were truly inspiring.
Following the diagnosis, Hatton’s family has encouraged her to pursue her passions. Since the release of her bucket list, Hatton has received offers to photograph prestigious events, including productions of “Wicked” and “Cabaret” in London’s West End.
She has also had the opportunity to visit the set of her favourite TV show, helping her live out her dreams despite her heart-wrenching diagnosis.