A young photographer with terminal cancer who met Prince William and Princess Kate just last month is set to celebrate Christmas early as a result of her declining health.
The family of Liz Hatton, 17, who was seen in October hugging Princess Kate, 42, after being invited to photograph an investiture at Windsor Castle, announced that time is now short for Liz.
The heartbreaking news comes after the Harrogate teenager, who has a rare and aggressive form of cancer, recently hosted a photography exhibition in London displaying her recent work, which includes photographing movie premieres and musicals.
On X, Liz’s mum Vicky Robayna wrote: “As I walked around looking at her pictures, thinking about the circumstances many were taken under, I was more in awe of her than ever.
“At the end of this week, we will celebrate Christmas early as a family. We know our time is short now.
“To all of you who have supported her work and cheered for her on from afar, please know how much you mean to us.
“She has lived a wonderful life and that is in no small part down to you. Thank you.”
Liz, who was diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumours (DSRCT), a rare cancer affecting the soft tissues of the abdomen and pelvis, in January, decided to stop her chemotherapy months ago to enjoy the time she had left outside of hospital.
After meeting Prince William and Princess Kate in October, which the teenager said was “so far beyond our wildest imagination”, she appeared on Good Morning Britain to explain why she decided not to progress with cancer treatment.
She said on live TV: “We just have to try to remain positive because what’s the point in wasting what little time I have left.
“I chose to stop my chemo and just live my life at home and just deal with whatever comes.”
Liz shared one of her most recent photography experiences on her Instagram account earlier this month as she was seen photographing Michael McIntyre. She has not posted on her photography account since.
The teenager will be celebrating Christmas this week with her mum, dad, and her little brother at their home.
