Teen with cancer who inspired Kate dies

A close up of a smiling Princess of Wales hugging Liz Hatton.
The Princess of Wales hugs Liz Hatton at Windsor Castle in October [Kensington Palace/Andrew Parsons]

A teenage photographer who inspired Catherine, Princess of Wales, after pursuing a photography bucket list while facing a rare form of cancer, has died.

Liz Hatton, 17, from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, died in the early hours of Wednesday morning, her mother Vicky Robayna announced on social media.

On X, formerly Twitter, Ms Robayna said that Liz had "remained determined to the last" and was still making plans for her future on Tuesday.

"We are so very proud of the kindness, empathy and courage she has shown in the last year," she wrote.

Liz attending an exhibition of her work. She has short blonde hair and wears a dark green jumper with a bag slung over her right shoulder. Her right hand covers her mouth as she looks past the camera.
Liz attending an exhibition of her work hosted by British Land and Getty Images at 2 Kingdom Street, Paddington Central, last week [Getty Images]

Liz began a photography bucket list appeal in January after being diagnosed with an aggressive desmoplastic small round cell tumour and was given between six months and three years to live.

She was pictured being hugged by Catherine at Windsor Castle in October after being invited to take pictures of the Prince of Wales at an investiture.

Catherine, who herself was treated for cancer this year, and William, in a personal message, described Liz as a "talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both".

Liz Hatton, pictured with the Prince and Princess of Wales. The Princess, who is smiling at the camera, wears a burgundy blazer and beige top. She stands next to Ms Hatton, who is wearing a light green jumper and necklace. Her hands rest on the shoulders of a young, blond boy in front of her, who is wearing a dark suit and red tie.
Liz and her family saw the Prince and Princess of Wales at a private meeting [Kensington Palace]

Ms Robayna said 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," she said.

"There is a gaping Liz-shaped hole in our lives that I am not sure how we will ever fill."

Ms Robayna offered her thanks to those who helped the teenager fulfil her dreams in her final months and those who liked and supported her work, adding: "You ensured Liz's last two months were her very best. She flew high until the end."

She asked people to share one of Liz's photos in tribute and also to support the family's mission to fund research into desmoplastic small round cell Tumour, which has no charity specialising in the disease in the UK.

Liz took up photography in Year 6 after saving up to buy her first camera.

She gained the highest grade possible in the subject at GCSE, before starting an A-level in it at Harrogate Grammar School.

Liz Hatton stands in the middle, with her arms slung around a young blond boy who is wearing a white shirt and grey bow. Liz stands next to a blonde woman who is wearing a dark green blouse. On her left is a bald man wearing a navy jumper with his hand in his pocket.
Liz Hatton's family attended her exhibition alongside her last week [Getty Images]

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."

Just a few weeks before she died, Liz had worked with one of her photography heroes, Rankin, at a photoshoot with professional models.

After the shoot model Fifi Anicah said the pictures the teenager took were among some of her "favourite pictures of all time".

As part of her bucket list, Liz also went on to photograph 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.

Only last week she attended an exhibition of her work hosted by British Land and Getty Images in London.

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A general view of the Liz Hatton photography exhibition. Several of her photographs, of fashion models, are on display on wooden easels, stretching across two rows. A decorated and lit Christmas tree appears to be positioned in the left corner of the room and a man appears to look at some work on the right.
A selection of Liz's photography at the exhibition [Getty Images]
Two of Liz's photographs. One shows a smiling woman with long blonde hair who has her chin resting on the back of her left hand, smiling broadly at the camera. The second image shows the same woman hugging another woman from behind. The second woman has long dark hair and is wearing light-rimmed glasses, a floral blouse and jeans. Both are smiling at the camera.
More of Liz's portraits at the exhibition [Getty Images]
Liz Hatton in the centre of the group of photographers, wearing a white t-shirt and her camera around her neck. Four photographers stand behind her, three of them looking through their cameras.
Liz and other press photographers attended the UK premiere of Venom: The Last Dance in London last month [Getty Images]

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