HEARTFELT GESTURE
Princess Kate invites family of ‘brave’ photographer who died aged 17 to her Xmas carol concert after meeting at Windsor
Kate had met the teenager at Windsor Castle in October
PRINCESS Kate has invited the family of a photographer who died of cancer aged just 17 to the Christmas carol concert.
Liz Hatton tragically passed away at her home in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, on November 27.
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She had been pictured being hugged by Kate at Windsor Castle in October after being invited to take pictures of the Prince of Wales at an investiture.
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 going through her own cancer battle this year.
Kate is set to host her annual Christmas carol service as she continues her gradual return to public duties following her cancer treatment.
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And she has invited Liz's mum Vicky Robayna, step-dad Aaron and brother Mateo, to the service.
Kate will preside over the Together at Christmas service at Westminster Abbey.
This year has the theme of love and empathy and will celebrate individuals who have supported others.
She has written a letter for the 1,600 Abbey carol goers, including members of the royal family, telling them "Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times".
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Her message is included with the order of service which features a cover image by artist Charlie Mackesy.
It will say: "This Carol Service is a heartfelt celebration of every one of you, and a reminder that at Christmas, and throughout the year, we must all shine for each other.
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"Because in times of joy and sadness, we are all each other's light."
The princess was joined by her family, husband William and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The King and Queen did not attend the carol service in 2023 but have previously.
During the past year Kate has returned to public duties after being treated for cancer, while Charles is still under the care of cancer specialists.
Timeline of Kate's health battle & recovery
JAN 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate's bedside
JAN 23: The princess' hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to 'personal matter', sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
MAR 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother's Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out 'kill notice' on photo
Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo and is snapped in the car with William
Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at a farm shop near Windsor
Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published a video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
MAR 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis
April 29: Kate and William mark 13th anniversary releasing unseen wedding photos
June 8: Kate does not attend Colonel's Review but letter she penned to Irish Guards reveals she said: "I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon"
June 14: Kate attended Trooping the Colour alongside her family
July 14: Kate attended the Wimbledon Men's Final with Princess Charlotte
September 9: Kate reveals she's finished chemotherapy with an intimate video showing family life
September 17: Princess returns to work at Windsor Castle hosting chat with early years charity chiefs
The service aims to provide a moment of reflection about the importance of loved ones especially during difficult times.
Singers Gregory Porter and Paloma Faith will perform during the service and Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, who is terminally ill with prostate cancer, will light a candle.
As will Lindsey Burrow, the wife of former Rugby League star Rob Burrow who died in June following a much-publicised battle with motor neurone disease.
Families and survivors of the Southport attack will also attend.
The families will be welcomed to London for three days, with transport and accommodation provided by Southport Stronger Together.
Readings, linked to the theme of love and empathy, will be made by the Prince of Wales and a host of stars including actors Richard E Grant, Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery, Sophie Okonedo, nominated for an Oscar for her role in the film Hotel Rwanda, and Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty.
The 1,600 guests have all supported others, whether friends or family, helped individuals through their work or volunteered.
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The event will be broadcast as part of the programme Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, screened on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve.
It will feature three films about the stories of people and organisations who have inspired, counselled and comforted others in their times of need.
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