Yorkshire photographer who impressed Princess of Wales dies aged 17 | Cancer

Yorkshire photographer who impressed Princess of Wales dies aged 17 | Cancer

A young person whose pursuit of pictures whereas being handled for terminal most cancers led her to satisfy the Princess of Wales and work with the photographer Rankin has died.

Liz Hatton, 17, from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, died early on Wednesday morning, her mom, Vicky Robayna, introduced on social media.

Hatton was identified with a uncommon aggressive most cancers in January and commenced a pictures bucket listing. She was invited to {photograph} a Windsor Fortress investiture in October the place the Princess of Wales was pictured hugging her.

The Princess of Wales hugs Liz Hatton at Windsor Fortress the place she was invited to {photograph} an investiture. {Photograph}: Andrew Parsons/Kensington Palace

Posting on X on Wednesday night, Robayna mentioned: “Our unimaginable daughter Liz died within the early hours of this morning. She remained decided to the final. Even yesterday she was nonetheless planning. We’re so very happy with the kindness, empathy and braveness she has proven within the final yr.”

Hatton was informed in January she had between six months and three years to reside after she was identified with desmoplastic small spherical cell tumour. She ended chemotherapy in October.

Her mom added: “She was not solely an outstanding photographer, she was one of the best human, and essentially the most fantastic daughter and massive sister we may ever have requested for. Nobody may have fought more durable for all times than she did.

“There’s a gaping Liz-shaped gap in our lives that I’m not certain how we are going to ever fill. We’ve a lot gratitude to each single one among you, whether or not you provided to assist, or favored or shared posts – you ensured Liz’s final two months had been her perfect. She flew excessive till the top.”

The experiences ticked off on her bucket listing included engaged on a vogue shoot, which she was helped to do by Rankin.

Hatton’s photos of Erin O’Connor, Tilda Swinton and Honor Swinton Byrne, and a mannequin on the Charles Jeffrey Loverboy spring/summer time 2025 vogue present at Somerset Home in June. Composite: Elizabeth Hatton/The Guardian

The Observer commissioned Hatton to {photograph} an exhibition launch at Somerset Home in June and revealed her photos of Tilda Swinton and Erin O’Connor.

She additionally labored alongside press photographers on the premiere of Venom: The Final Dance and shot a portrait of the comic Michael McIntyre.

skip previous e-newsletter promotion

Hatton was taking images on the crimson carpet of the Royal Selection Efficiency on Friday.

Robayna requested folks to share her daughter’s images on social media and to assist fundraise for analysis into desmoplastic small spherical cell tumours. She mentioned: “In 2024 a 15% five-year survival fee is just not sufficient. Collectively we are able to change that.”

A spokesperson for the charity Sarcoma UK mentioned that Hatton’s loss of life “is a stark reminder of the pressing want for continued analysis and higher therapies for sarcoma – a uncommon and aggressive type of most cancers that impacts too many younger lives. Our ideas are with Liz’s household, buddies, and all those that knew and cherished her throughout this immensely tough time.

“We honour Liz’s reminiscence and her contribution to elevating consciousness about sarcoma, hoping that her legacy will encourage continued help for analysis and understanding of this devastating illness.”