Liz Hatton, the photographer who connected with the Princess of Wales, has passed at the age at 17

We are sad to relate the news that Liz Hatton, the teenager who came to notoriety when she was royally invited to take photographs at an October 2 investiture ceremony, has passed away at the age of 17. An avid artist in photography whose images have been exhibited publicly, she made a "photography bucket list" and her family related that she was "still making plans" to the last.

A moment of human connection

According to an announcement on the website for Hello! magazine, it was just ten months ago that Liz was "diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer...and made a photography bucket list." The site had previously reported on the event and noted that Prince William extended the invitation "after he learned of the teenager's story through the London Air Ambulance Charity.

After images were taken of the pair embracing after the investiture ceremony where Liz was a guest photographer, the Prince and Princess of Wales had this to say on social media:

"A pleasure to meet with Liz at Windsor today. A talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both. Thank you for sharing your photos and story with us. W&C."

- Prince William and Princess Catherine

It was a moving scene, as the event occurred after Kate's completion of preventative chemotherapy for cancer. Princess Catherine is known for her photography, particularly of family life. The meeting was after one of Kate's rare appearances this year and, while Kate didn't participate in the ceremony, she attended and took the opportunity to reach out to the then-16-year-old young woman with whom she shared a passion.

Vicky Roboyna, Liz's mother, reported the sad news on X (*formerly Twitter) that "Our incredible daughter Liz died in the early hours of this morning...We are so very proud of the kindness, empathy and courage she has shown in the last year." She went on to say that "No one could have fought harder for life than she did. There is a gaping Liz-shaped hole in our lives that I am not sure how we will ever fill." In an earlier interview with Good Morning Britain, Vicky said that she's "proud of her every single day."

In addition to sharing her photos on social media, Liz held an exhibition of her photography before her passing. Our thoughts are with all those who grieve the loss of this remarkable young woman.