Liz Hatton died on Wednesday.

The Princess of Wales has paid heartfelt tribute to the aspiring photographer with a rare form of cancer she hugged earlier this year, following news of the 17-year-old’s death.

Liz Hatton made headlines after she was pictured with Kate at Windsor Castle in October after being invited to take pictures of William at an investiture.

The teenager died on Wednesday, after having been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer at the start of the year.

After the news of her death, William and Kate, who herself was treated for cancer this year, said in a personal message shared 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.”

The message was signed “W & C”.

Liz’s mother Vicky Robayna praised her “incredible daughter”, saying “she flew high until the end” as she announced her death on X.