Our condolences to the royal family… People are mourning the loss…

Lilit

Liz Hatton, the cancer-stricken youngster who Kate Middleton helped achieve a “bucket list” desire, has died.

Hatton’s mother, Vicky Robyana, announced in a poignant letter on X that her 17-year-old daughter died on Wednesday, Nov. 27. Hatton, hailing from Harrogate, England, received a rare and severe diagnosis of a desmoplastic, small round cell tumor in January. Doctors gave her a six-month to three-year life expectancy, according to the BBC.

“Our incredible daughter Liz died in the early hours of this morning,” she said in an email. “She stayed resolute till the end. Even yesterday, she was still making plans. We are pleased with the generosity, understanding, and courage she has demonstrated over the last year. She was not only a fantastic photographer but also the nicest person, daughter, and big sister we could have wished for. No one could have struggled harder for survival than she did. There is a big Liz-shaped hole in our life that I’m not sure how we’ll fill. We are so grateful to each one of you for offering to assist, like, or share postings and ensuring Liz’s last two months were her best. She flew high till the finish.”

Princess Kate, who received a cancer diagnosis earlier this year, invited Hatton to Windsor Castle on October 2, coinciding with her husband, Prince William, attending an investiture ceremony. The Prince of Wales asked Hatton to shoot the investitures that day as part of her “photography bucket list.”

“It was a pleasure to meet Liz at Windsor today.” “A talented young photographer whose creativity and strength have inspired us both,” the Prince and Princess of Wales said on social media.

“Thank you for sharing your photos and story with us. ❤️,” said one of them. The two signed the post “W & C,” using their initials as a shorthand to signify that they sent the communication directly.

Kate also attended the meeting with William and Hatton, and she was photographed hugging the adolescent in a heartfelt hug. PEOPLE understands that following the investiture, William and Kate spent private time with Hatton and her close ones.

“Such lovely, genuine, and kind people; I’m over the moon that my family and I had this experience,” Hatton posted on her Instagram Story on October 2 with a photo of herself hugging the Princess of Wales, who, like Hatton, adores photography. Kate describes herself as an “enthusiastic amateur photographer” and is the patron of The Royal Photographic Society.

Robyana’s letter on X included two emotional pleas in remembrance of her daughter: She requested that people share one of Hatton’s images, either on social media or in person, with the hashtag #LizHatton as an homage to her life and photography. Furthermore, the family is requesting assistance in raising funds for research into desmoplastic small round cell tumors.

On October 3, Hatton appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Today show and stated of William and Kate, “Talking to them was amazing ’cause it was like talking to anyone, like a normal person.” There was no grandeur about them; only compassion and goodwill.

She claimed that it was “a massive shock” when William and Kate, both 42, entered the chamber at Windsor Castle.

Her mother, stepfather Aaron, and her eight-year-old brother, Mateo, joined Hatton. In an interview with The Times, Hatton revealed that Windsor Castle’s cooks also contacted her family to ensure Hatton had her favorite cuisine, lemon drizzle cake. Following the visit, as the touching tale spread around the world, “The palace staff have been calling us every day to check we’re alright,” Robayna told the publication. “And I say, ‘Yes.’ I’ve never seen Liz so lively as she has this week.”

Hatton told BBC Radio 4 that she wants to fill her life “with as many good experiences as I can, because those happy memories are going to be what’s important, not just to me but to the people around me who experience them with me.”

In the radio interview, Robyana stated, “Would we choose to have Liz forever with none of these experiences? Of course, we would. We appreciate that people have gone out of their way to help her and fulfill some of her wishes, even though it’s not possible.

On November 25, Robyana posted on X that she was “more in awe of her daughter than ever,” and that Hatton “has become increasingly tired.” Written three days before Thanksgiving, she stated that the family intended to celebrate Christmas early after the week.

“We understand that our time is limited. Please know how much it means to us that you have supported her efforts and cheered her on from afar.” She has had a wonderful life, thanks in large part to you,” she wrote.

In an interview with The Times, Hatton stated, “It is questionable how long I will survive. However, Hatton guarantees that his survival won’t last for a long time. As a result, I believe you should only engage in activities that align with your interests and desires. It’s also important to spend this time with your loved ones.

“So, what other options do you have?” she asked. Otherwise, you would experience a constant sense of overwhelm. Of course, there are days when you feel extremely upset. Maintain a positive attitude and seek support from those around you to keep going.

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