Prince William and Kate Middleton have left royal fans deeply moved after sharing an emotional tribute to Liz Hatton on what would have been her 18th birthday. The Prince and Princess of Wales remembered the young woman, who tragically passed away at just 17, with a heartfelt message that resonated with millions around the world.
The future King and Queen chose to honor Liz on August 30, 2025, with a post on their official Instagram account. Their message carried a tone of grief, love, and admiration for the teenager whose life touched theirs in a remarkable way.
Their statement read: “Remembering Liz Hatton today on what would have been her 18th birthday.” Accompanying the words was a poignant photograph that Liz had taken herself during an investiture at Windsor Castle in October 2024.
The image, titled Investiture Day, has now been placed on display at Windsor Castle, standing in the very same location where Liz originally captured it. The choice to showcase her work on her birthday was a moving reminder of her talent and passion.
For many royal fans, the tribute was not only touching but also a testament to Prince William and Kate Middleton’s ability to connect with ordinary people through compassion and empathy. Their message underscored how deeply Liz’s story had affected them both.
Liz Hatton’s journey first came to public attention when she was invited to Windsor Castle in 2024 to photograph an official investiture. Despite battling an aggressive form of cancer, she attended the event with strength and dignity, where she also had the chance to meet the Prince and Princess of Wales.
That meeting became a defining moment in her short life. Liz’s passion for photography and her bravery in the face of illness impressed both William and Kate, who later expressed their admiration publicly.
Tragically, Liz passed away just a few weeks later in November 2024. Her death was met with an outpouring of grief, and the royal couple immediately issued a heartfelt statement, mourning her loss and extending their condolences to her family.
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At the time, their words read “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. W & C.”
The decision to honor her again on what would have been her milestone 18th birthday has reminded the public of how much of an impression Liz made on the Prince and Princess of Wales. It also highlighted the couple’s ongoing commitment to remembering those who inspire them through courage and resilience.
Royal watchers praised William and Kate for their sensitivity, with many commenting that their tribute brought tears to their eyes. Some even noted how the Princess of Wales, currently admired for her role as a mother, must have felt an especially strong connection to Liz’s parents.
The post also reflects a growing theme in the lives of William and Kate, who continue to balance their royal duties with moments of heartfelt humanity. Their ability to pause and recognize individual stories has helped strengthen their bond with the public, particularly during times of sorrow.
For Liz’s family, the tribute from the future King and Queen likely offered comfort as they faced what would have been a joyous milestone under different circumstances. The recognition of their daughter’s legacy ensures that her memory continues to shine, even in the halls of Windsor Castle.
The story of Liz Hatton is a reminder of how fleeting life can be, but also how powerful human connections remain. Through their tribute, Prince William and Kate Middleton have once again proven that the crown is not only about tradition but also about compassion.
