Here’s a rewritten version of the article with the same key details but a fresh flow:
Kate Middleton Honors Late Teen Photographer Whose ‘Bucket List’ Wish Was to Meet Her: ‘Her Memory Lives On’
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By Escher Walcott | Published on March 9, 2025, 11:35 AM EDT
Kate Middleton is paying tribute to a young admirer who fulfilled a heartfelt wish before her passing.
The Princess of Wales, 43, honored the memory of Liz Hatton, a 17-year-old photographer who died from cancer in November 2024, in a touching message shared on International Women’s Day, March 8.
“Celebrating the strength and creativity of Liz and [her mother] Vicky Hatton,” Kate wrote on X. “It was an honor meeting them both in Windsor in October. Liz’s memory lives on in Vicky’s unwavering resilience. Thank you for such a moving moment #IWD2025.”
The tribute accompanied a previously shared post featuring a heartfelt moment between Kate and Liz, showing the Princess embracing the teen during their meeting at Windsor Castle last year. Another image included Prince William joining Liz and her family for a memorable group photo.
Fulfilling a ‘Bucket List’ Wish
Liz, from North Yorkshire, England, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive desmoplastic tumor. In January 2024, after learning her condition was terminal, she created a bucket list—which included a dream of meeting Kate Middleton, according to BBC News.
That wish came true in October 2024 when Kate and William welcomed Liz and her family to Windsor Castle, shortly after the Princess returned to public duties following her own battle with cancer.
At the time, Kate shared her admiration for Liz’s strength and talent. “A pleasure to meet with Liz at Windsor today,” she wrote on social media. “A talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both. Thank you for sharing your photos and story with us ❤️ W&C.”
Reflecting on the experience, Liz expressed her gratitude in a BBC interview shared via Instagram: “It was just a massive shock … None of us were expecting it, necessarily … Talking to them was amazing, because it was just like talking to anyone … there was just humanity and kindness.”
Kate Middleton’s Message After Liz’s Passing
Following Liz’s passing, Kate once again honored the young photographer, calling her a “talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both,” per BBC News.
Kate, who publicly announced her own cancer diagnosis in March 2024, completed chemotherapy treatment later that year in September.
Upcoming Royal Engagement
The Princess of Wales is next expected to make a public appearance at the annual Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration at Westminster Abbey in London on Monday, March 10, an event she missed last year.
For more updates on Kate Middleton, Prince William, and the royal family, sign up for PEOPLE’s free Royals newsletter.
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