Prince and Princess of Wales Honor Late Teenage Photographer with Heartfelt Gift

The Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince William and Princess Catherine, have offered a deeply personal and meaningful tribute to the family of Liz Hatton, a teenage photographer who tragically passed away from a rare form of blood cancer in 2024. Their thoughtful gesture underscores the compassion and warmth the royal couple is known for, especially toward young people battling adversity.

A Special Rose in Memory of Liz

According to People magazine, Liz’s mother, Vicky Robayna, revealed that the royal couple gifted the family a flower known as the Ice N Roses Early Rose. This particular rose holds special significance, as it is expected to bloom around the anniversary of Liz’s passing—providing the family with a beautiful, living memory of their beloved daughter.

The gift of the rose is not merely symbolic but deeply emotional for the family. “It’s a gesture we will treasure forever,” said Vicky. “To know that they thought of us and wanted to give us something that will bloom around that time every year—it’s incredibly touching.”

Liz’s Connection with the Royal Family

Liz first met the royal couple in October 2024 during a special occasion at Windsor Castle. Despite battling cancer herself, Liz remained passionate about photography. Through a friend at an air ambulance charity, Prince William became aware of Liz’s talent and resilience. He invited her to photograph the investiture ceremonies at Windsor Castle—a significant moment in her young life.

During the event, Princess Catherine, who had been diagnosed with cancer earlier that same year, met Liz in person. The two women shared an emotional embrace. A photo captured during this moment, released by Kensington Palace, showed the powerful connection between them.

Later that day, the Prince and Princess posted on social media:

“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. — W&C”

A Mother’s Reflection

Speaking to People, Liz’s mother Vicky reflected on the encounter. “Liz always said they were two of the most genuine people she ever met. They were just so kind and down to earth.”

She also noted how much Liz appreciated their attention to her younger brother, Mateo. “Liz would have said her favorite part of the whole experience was how they were with Mateo,” Vicky said. “He was really shy, and they had him chatting away at the end. She loved them for that.”

For Vicky, the meeting with the royal couple felt more like a family reunion than a formal encounter. “It felt like walking into an extended family and having arms wrapped around you,” she said.

A Short But Impactful Life

Liz’s passion for photography was undeniable. Before her passing, she held a photography exhibition showcasing her work, much of which was inspired by her experience living with a serious illness. The exhibit received local acclaim and was attended by friends, family, and well-wishers who had followed her journey.

Unfortunately, Liz passed away just a month after her meeting with the Prince and Princess. The royal couple publicly expressed their condolences in a heartfelt tribute on social media:

“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. — W & C”

Continued Support from the Royal Couple

Despite the passage of time, the Prince and Princess of Wales have maintained contact with Liz’s family. In December, they invited the family to Princess Catherine’s annual carol service—further evidence of the lasting connection that was formed during Liz’s visit to Windsor Castle.

The ongoing relationship has been a source of comfort to the Hatton family. “They didn’t just meet us and forget us. They remembered. They stayed in touch,” said Vicky. “It’s rare to find that level of sincerity in anyone, let alone people in their position.”

The Ice N Roses Rose: A Living Tribute

The Ice N Roses Early Rose, chosen by the royal couple, is a unique variety that blooms even in colder conditions—symbolizing strength, endurance, and beauty in adversity. This symbolism reflects Liz’s own story, and the gift serves as a reminder of her courage and the mark she left on those around her.

Every year, as the rose blooms around the time of her death, it will stand not only as a memorial to Liz’s life but also as a reminder of the royal couple’s kindness and the unexpected bond they formed with one extraordinary teenager.

Honoring Young Lives

The story of Liz Hatton serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of recognizing the talents and dreams of young individuals, especially those facing life-limiting conditions. The support and acknowledgement from figures like Prince William and Princess Catherine can have a profound impact, as it did with Liz and her family.

Their continued outreach—whether through social media, private messages, or public invitations—demonstrates a deeper commitment to emotional support and public compassion that goes beyond royal duty.

As Vicky said, “They didn’t have to do any of this. But they did. And that’s something we’ll never forget.”