Blow for Kate Middleton, Prince William's Wife: She Was Only 17 Years Old

Often, life confronts us with moments that deeply mark us, and when two worlds cross under such emotional circumstances, the impact can be even greater. In 2024, Kate Middleton received tragic news: the death of Liz Hatton, a young 17-year-old photographer.

Her story not only deeply moved Kate but also managed to unite a large number of people, creating a support network that continues to grow and bear fruit to this day. 

Major Blow for Kate Middleton

Liz was diagnosed with DSRCT, an extremely rare type of cancer that affects only 12 young people a year. During her treatment, Kate and Liz shared a special connection. They met at an official event in Windsor.

From there, their relationship grew, and Kate committed to helping as much as possible. Thanks to her support, several of Liz's photos were sold to raise funds for research on this little-known type of cancer.

Liz's mother, Vicky Robayna, expressed her gratitude for the involvement of Kate and Prince William. In an interview with the Mirror, Vicky commented emotionally: "Meeting the Prince and Princess of Wales made many more people aware of Liz's story."

Kate Middleton Has Made a Beautiful Gesture

Liz's legacy didn't end with her death; on the contrary, her family has managed to raise £100,000 thanks to the sale of her work. These funds will be allocated to pioneering research on DSRCT, a crucial step in providing support to other families going through the same process.

"The most stressful thing in those early days after Liz's diagnosis was the fear of missing out on the only thing that could make a difference," explained the young woman's mother. This project will help families have access to all available information about DSRCT.

The plan, which will begin next January, will be led by the University of York and the Children's and Young People's Cancer Association. According to the association's CEO, Ashley Ball-Gamble, the Hatton family's dedication "to changing the future of young people."

In an emotional tribute to Liz, Kate Middleton shared on her social media a photo of her hugging the young photographer, remembering her strength, resilience, and creativity. Kate Middleton, visibly moved, expressed the following:

"Celebrating the strength, resilience, and creativity of Liz and her mother, Vicky, it was an honor to meet them both in Windsor in November." Liz's memory will endure in her family's work and in the research that will help save lives in the future.