Liz Hatton, a 16-year-old from Harrogate, Yorkshire, never expected that her passion for photography would lead her to a life-changing moment with royalty.
Diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Liz was invited to Windsor Castle to photograph a prestigious investiture hosted by Prince William.
Little did she know that the day would bring her face-to-face with both the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Liz, who has been battling desmoplastic small round cell tumor since January, described the encounter as something far beyond her wildest dreams.
A Surprise Meeting with Royalty
Liz’s invitation initially came through her mother’s social media post, shared with the help of the London Air Ambulance charity, where Prince William is a patron.
The original plan was for Liz to simply photograph the investiture ceremony.
However, in a twist she didn’t see coming, she also had the chance to spend time with the future King and Queen.
Liz, overwhelmed by the surprise, admitted, “I had no idea I would meet them. It was beyond anything I could have ever imagined.”
Shared Passion for Photography
During their meeting, Liz and the Princess of Wales bonded over their mutual love for photography.
“Talking to Princess Catherine about photography was amazing,” Liz shared.
“She’s so passionate about it, and it’s always exciting to talk about what you love.”
Photography has been a significant part of Liz’s life, and it has helped her cope with the challenges of her illness.
She has a photography “bucket list” of events she hopes to capture, and meeting the royal couple was an unexpected addition she never thought possible.
A Family Moment to Cherish
Liz wasn’t the only one touched by the day’s events.
Her mother, Vicky Robayna, spoke fondly of how the entire family – including Liz’s stepfather and younger brother – got to experience the royal encounter together.
“The Prince and Princess were so genuine and kind. They made sure to include everyone in the conversation, even our youngest,” Vicky said.
The family left Windsor with memories they would cherish forever.
Photography as a Lifeline
Photography has always been Liz’s passion, and it has been her source of comfort throughout her cancer treatment.
“We planned something after each round of treatment, giving her something to look forward to,” her mother explained.
Liz’s love for photography started at the age of 10, and it continues to be her dream career.
Being allowed to photograph the investiture – a rare privilege even for professionals – was the highlight of her experience.
A Heartfelt Gesture from the Royals
The Princess of Wales, who has also undergone a cancer journey, showed great empathy and understanding during their meeting.
Kensington Palace later posted photos of Liz’s work on social media, a gesture that meant the world to her.
“For people to see my work – that’s one of the biggest things on my bucket list,” Liz said.
The response has been overwhelming, with tens of thousands of likes on her photographs.
Moving Forward with Resilience
Despite the challenges ahead, Liz remains optimistic.
“I’m focusing on filling my life with as many good experiences as possible,” she said.
Her diagnosis has shifted her priorities from schoolwork to pursuing her passion for photography.
Liz’s bucket list is far from complete, but after her royal encounter, she is more determined than ever to live life to the fullest.
What is Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor?
Desmoplastic small round cell tumor is a rare type of soft tissue sarcoma that primarily affects the abdomen.
It is extremely aggressive, and only a handful of cases are diagnosed each year in England.
Symptoms include abdominal pain, swelling, and unexplained weight gain.
Liz’s diagnosis came after she experienced severe abdominal pain, and doctors discovered tumors on her ovaries and liver.
A Royal Connection
Liz’s admiration for the royal family runs deep.
Her mother recalled how Liz once stood for hours just to catch a glimpse of Queen Elizabeth.
Meeting the future King and Queen of England was, in her words, “the icing on the cake” and an unforgettable experience.
For now, Liz continues to chase her dreams with her camera in hand, creating lasting memories one photograph at a time.
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