Princess Kate shares touching tribute to young photographer who died of rare and incurable cancer aged just 17

PRINCESS Kate has shared a touching tribute to a young photographer who died of a rare and incurable cancer aged just 17.

Liz Hatton passed away in the early hours yesterday at her home in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

Hatton was pictured being hugged by Kate at Windsor Castle in October after being invited to take pictures of the Prince of Wales at an investiture.

Paying tribute, Princess Kate said: "We are so sorry to hear that Liz Hatton has sadly passed away.

"It was an honour to have met such a brave and humble young woman.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Liz’s parents Vicky and Aaron and her brother Mateo at this unimaginably difficult time."

The photograph of the pair embracing touched the hearts of many with Kate hailing the teenager for inspiring her and husband William with her strength and creativity.

The event also marked the Princess of Wales' return to work after she had gone through her own cancer battle this year.

Kate, who dabbles in photography herself, told the nation she had cancer in March and stepped away from duties following the announcement.

Hatton's sad passing comes less than a year after she was diagnosed with an incurable and rare form of cancer.

Her mum posted a tribute to X on Wednesday night, saying her daughter remained determined to the very end.

Vicky Robayna said: "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.

";No one could have fought harder for life than she did."

Hatton began a photography bucket list appeal in January after her cancer diagnosis.

She was invited to Windsor Castle to photograph an investiture ceremony William was holding after word reached the prince about her dream.

Surprisingly, she asked to have tea with the royal couple afterwards where she was snapped hugging Kate.

The royals posted about the meeting: "A pleasure to meet with Liz at Windsor today.

"A talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both. Thank you for sharing your photos and story with us."

Hatton was joined at the castle by mum Robayna, step-dad Aaron and brother Mateo.

She posted about the meeting, saying: "Such lovely, genuine and kind people, I'm over the moon that my family and I had this experience."

"It was my absolute pleasure to meet everyone and take photos today at Windsor, it was a great honour and was essentially a dream come true, so I truly hope to be part of any and all future events!"

Hatton was diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumour in January, and given between six months and three years to live.

Her bucket list included a number of different types of photography that she wanted to complete before her passing.

Hatton also photographed a movie premier, London Fashion Week, and the Royal Variety Show.

William learned about her via the London Air Ambulance Charity, which he is patron of.

Kate returned to work just days after revealing she had completed her chemotherapy.

Kate has spoken about her cancer fighting, saying it was a "relief" her treatment had ended: "The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family."

She also vowed to remain "side by side" with others fighting the disease.

Robayna has set up a GoFundMe for her daughter, which has raised £50,000 - blowing away a £25,000 target.

She has subsequently set up another fundraiser to raise £100,000 to donate into research for the rare form of cancer.