Kate Middleton and Prince William are paying tribute to a teen who died following a battle with cancer.
The couple shared a heartfelt note via their social media accounts after Liz Hatton died on Wednesday at the age of 17.
“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,” they wrote via X Thursday.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Liz’s parents Vicky and Aaron and her brother Mateo at this unimaginably difficult time.”
The couple signed the post “W & C” — the initials of their first names, William and Catherine — signifying that the message came directly from them.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, both 42, met Hatton and her family last month when the teen fulfilled one of her “bucket list” dreams.
The couple invited Hatton, a budding photographer, to capture an investiture ceremony.
After the meeting, the royals shared photos on social media writing, “A pleasure to meet with Liz at Windsor today. A talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both.”
A photo of Middleton hugging Halton took on extra poignancy as the royal has been going through her own battle with cancer.
Hatton was diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumor, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, in January.
Hatton’s mother, Vicky Robayna, announced the tragic news of her daughter’s death on Nov. 27.
“Our incredible daughter Liz died in the early hours of this morning,” Robayna wrote on X. “She remained determined to the last. Even yesterday she was still making plans. We are so very proud of the kindness, empathy and courage she has shown in the last year.”
Robayna continued, “She was not only a phenomenal photographer, she was the best human, and the most wonderful daughter and big sister we could ever have asked for. No one could have fought harder for life than she did.”
Meanwhile, Middleton is planning to celebrate Christmas with the royal family at the late Queen Elizabeth II‘s country estate in Norfolk.
The mother of three underwent abdominal surgery in mid-January and was later diagnosed with cancer. She shared in September that she had “finally completed” her chemotherapy treatment.
“The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family,” she said in a video shared at the time. “Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.”
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