A teenage photographer who inspired Catherine, Princess of Wales, to pursue a photography bucket list while battling a rare form of cancer, has died.

Liz Hatton, 17, from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, died in the early hours of Wednesday morning, her mother Vicky Robayna announced on social media.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, Mr Robayna said Liz was “focused to the last” and was still making plans for her future on Tuesday.

“We are very proud of the kindness, compassion and courage she has shown over the past year,” she wrote.

Liz started a photography bucket list appeal in January after being diagnosed with an aggressive desmoplastic small round cell tumor and given six months to three years to live.

She was pictured being hugged by Catherine at Windsor Castle in October after being invited to take pictures of the Prince of Wales at his investiture.

Catherine, who herself was treated for cancer this year, and William, in a personal message, described Liz as “a talented young photographer whose creativity and strength inspired us both”.

Mr Robayna said on X that Liz “was not only a great photographer, she was the best person and the most wonderful daughter and big sister we could have ever asked for”.

“No one could have fought harder for life than she did,” she said.

“There is a gaping hole in the shape of Liz in our lives that I am not sure how we will ever fill.”

Ms Robayna offered her thanks to those who helped the teenager fulfill her dreams in her final months and to those who liked and supported her work, adding: “You made Liz’s last two months the best on her. She flew high to the end.”

She asked people to share one of Liz’s photos in tribute and also to support the family’s mission to fund research into Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour, which has no charity specializing in the disease in the UK.

Just a few weeks before she died, Liz was she worked with one of her photography heroesRankin, at a photoshoot with professional models.

After the shoot model Fifi Anicah said that the pictures taken by the teenager were among some of her “favorite pictures ever”.

As part of her bucket list, Liz also went on to photograph comedian Michael McIntyre, circus performers, the Royal Ballet, models from the Storm Model Agency, the London Air Ambulances from a helicopter, hotel doormen and the red carpet at the MTV Europe Music. Awards.

Until last week she attended an exhibition of her work hosted by British Land and Getty Images in London.

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