Princess of Wales comforts the family of Liz Hatton, 17, who died of cancer, and promises to support their charity.
The Princess of Wales shared an emotional reunion with the grieving family of teenage photographer Liz Hatton during a Buckingham Palace Garden Party, months after a moving encounter between the two changed the young cancer sufferer’s final months.
Kate, 43, warmly greeted Liz’s mother Vicky Robanya, stepfather Aaron Robayna Thomson, and nine-year-old brother Mateo as she and Prince William hosted the event on behalf of King Charles. The couple, both resplendent in coordinating butter-yellow ensembles, spent several minutes with the Hatton family, offering heartfelt condolences and support.
Liz, a budding photographer from Harrogate, had captured the nation’s heart last October when she met Kate at Windsor Castle. Diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour, Liz was ticking off her bucket list when she was granted special access to photograph an investiture. Despite undergoing cancer treatment herself, Kate insisted on meeting Liz face-to-face and embraced the 17-year-old, calling her “inspiring” and praising her creativity.
Liz died just weeks later, leaving her family heartbroken but determined to honour her legacy. At Tuesday’s event, Kate recognised Mateo from photos and gently shook his hand before embracing Vicky, who told the Princess, “You changed her life for the better. You changed ours too because our memories are all positive.”
Fighting back tears, Kate replied, “If you need any help fundraising, maybe I can help. Please stay in touch, really.” She was handed two quirky jellycat toys—one shaped like lemon pie and the other a pickled onion—tokens Liz used to gift to people she loved. Smiling, Kate said, “It matches my dress! How did you know? When I see the fish and chips Jellycat, I think of her.”
William added, “My children will love these. They are children’s currency.”
The Hatton family has since founded a charity in Liz’s name—Capture—dedicated to supporting young people with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour (DSRCT), the rare and aggressive cancer that took Liz’s life. The charity has already funded its first research initiative and is planning more fundraising events, including a 24-hour swim and a marathon team challenge. A calendar featuring Liz’s photography will launch on what would have been her 18th birthday.
The Garden Party, a sunny celebration of service and support, also welcomed guests linked to the Waleses’ various causes. Holocaust survivor Steven Frank, whom Kate photographed in 2020, was among the invitees, as were contributors to William’s Homewards homelessness project and staff from the Ty Hafan children’s hospice Kate visited in January.
Royal relatives including Zara Tindall, Princess Eugenie, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh joined the festivities, along with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Young hero Tony Hudgell, the double amputee who missed the King’s earlier garden party due to traffic delays, made it this time and was warmly welcomed by William.
The Princess, currently in remission from her own cancer treatment, appeared serene and radiant, offering guests personal warmth that was both uplifting and comforting. Her continued involvement with families like Liz Hatton’s showcases her commitment to turning personal grief into purpose.
In December, Liz’s parents attended Kate’s Westminster Abbey Christmas carol concert, and now, with Capture gaining traction, Kate’s public support could prove vital to their mission.
“Liz really made the most of everything,” Kate reflected. “I loved her creativity all the way through
