Prince William and Princess Catherine console Liz Hatton’s parents at Buckingham Palace Royal Garden Party

Prince William and Kate Middleton have used Buckingham Palace’s garden party as an opportunity to talk with the parents of a teen photographer, whose battle with cancer captivated Britain.
It also marked the Princess of Wales’ return to the royal event since her own struggle with cancer forced her to skip last year’s garden party.
The family of Liz Hatton, who lost her battle with cancer at just 17 years of age, were clearly emotional during their talk with William and Kate, with the Princess hugging Liz’s mother Vicky at one point.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The royal couple had met the teenager just months before her death during an introduction at Windsor Castle in October, 2024.
The 17-year-old’s determination to keep doing her utmost to live her life in the face of the disease had captured the hearts of Britons across the nation, and her meeting with the Prince and Princess left an emotional impact on the pair. Catherine’s cancer is now in remission.
The meeting allowed the teen to photograph Prince William, one of the items on the ‘bucket list’ for Liz during her fight against Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour.
Liz’s parents Vicky Robayna and Aaron Robayna Thompson, and her nine-year-old brother Mateo, gifted the royal couple plush toys at the royal garden party, carrying on a gesture practised by the plucky teen.
The royal garden party was also attended by double amputee Tony Hudgell and royals Zara Tindall, Princess Eugenie as well as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie and Edward.