Yorkshire photographer who impressed Princess of Wales dies aged 17
A teenager who took up photography during her treatment for terminal cancer, which allowed her to meet the Princess of Wales and collaborate with photographer Rankin, has passed away.
Liz Hatton, a 17-year-old from Harrogate in North Yorkshire, passed away early on Wednesday morning, as shared by her mother, Vicky Robayna, on social media.
In January, Hatton received a diagnosis of a rare and aggressive form of cancer, which inspired her to create a photography bucket list. In October, she had the opportunity to document an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, where she captured a heartwarming moment of the Princess of Wales embracing her.
In a Wednesday evening post on X, Robayna shared, “Our amazing daughter Liz passed away early this morning. She fought with a strong will until the very end. Just yesterday, she was still making plans. We are immensely proud of the kindness, compassion, and bravery she has displayed over the past year.”
In January, Hatton received the news that she had only six months to three years to live following her diagnosis of desmoplastic small round cell tumor. She completed her chemotherapy treatment in October.
Her mother expressed, "She was not just an incredible photographer; she was also an amazing person, the most wonderful daughter and big sister we could have ever wished for. Nobody fought for life more fiercely than she did."
"Our lives have a huge void without Liz, and it's hard to imagine how we will ever fill it. We're incredibly grateful to each and every one of you, whether you lent a hand or simply liked or shared her posts. Your support made Liz's final two months truly special. She soared to great heights right until the very end."
One of the items she checked off her bucket list was participating in a fashion shoot, an opportunity made possible with assistance from Rankin.
The Observer hired Hatton to take pictures at an exhibition opening at Somerset House in June, and they featured her photos of Tilda Swinton and Erin O’Connor.
She collaborated with press photographers at the premiere of Venom: The Last Dance and captured a portrait of comedian Michael McIntyre.
Hatton was capturing images on the red carpet during the Royal Variety Performance last Friday.
Robayna encouraged everyone to post pictures of her daughter on social media and to support efforts to raise money for research on desmoplastic small round cell tumors. She expressed, "A 15% survival rate over five years in 2024 is just not acceptable. If we join forces, we can make a difference."
A representative from the charity Sarcoma UK expressed that Hatton’s passing serves as a powerful reminder of the pressing necessity for ongoing research and improved treatment options for sarcoma—a rare and aggressive cancer that impacts far too many young people. They extended their condolences to Liz’s family, friends, and everyone who cared for her during this very challenging time.
"We remember Liz and the important work she did to increase awareness of sarcoma. We hope her legacy will motivate ongoing support for research and a deeper understanding of this heartbreaking illness."
