Royals pay tribute to 'brave' teen photographer

The Prince and Princess of Wales have paid tribute to a teenage photographer who has died from cancer.

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

William and Kate said in a statement: “We are so sorry to hear that Liz Hatton has sadly passed away."

They said it was "an honour to have met such a brave and humble young woman", adding: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Liz’s parents Vicky and Aaron and her brother Mateo at this unimaginably difficult time."

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

She was pictured being hugged by Kate at Windsor Castle in October after being invited to take pictures of William at an investiture.

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

Liz's mother said her daughter "remained determined to the last".

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

"She 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."

Harrogate Grammar School, where Liz completed her GCSEs and began studying for her A-levels prior to her cancer diagnosis, paid tribute to a "remarkable young person whose presence enriched our school community".

"She was curious about the world, refreshingly open, and known for her honest and positive spirit.

"An incredible photographer, we remember her smile and straight-talking sense of humour."

Kerry Reeves-Kneip, a spokesperson for the bone and soft tissue cancer charity Sarcoma UK, said Liz's "remarkable" photograph with Kate "captured a moment of genuine human connection that resonated with people around the world".

"Her passing is a stark reminder of the urgent need for continued research and better treatments for sarcoma - a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects too many young lives."

According to the charity, an average of 12 cases of desmoplastic small round cell tumour are diagnosed each year in England.

The rare nature of the cancer means there is currently no standard care treatment.

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 photographed comedian Michael McIntyre, circus performers, the Royal Ballet, models from the Storm Model Agency, the London Air Ambulances and the red carpet at the MTV Europe Music Awards.

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