Before her daughter’s death, Vicky made a heartfelt plea. The Prince and Princess of Wales listened

The mother of a teenager who died of a rare form of cancer has praised the Prince and Princess of Wales for helping her dream become a reality before her passing.

Vicky Robayna’s daughter Liz Hatton died of desmoplastic small round cell tumor, a rare sarcoma. She died in November, 2024, at the age of just 17.

Before her death, Liz had always dreamed of becoming a photographer – and thanks to the royal couple, it was all made possible in a very special way. 

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Vicky told People “Liz always said they were two of the most genuine people she ever met, and I think they were just so kind and so down to earth.”

Before her daughter’s death, Vicky issued a heartfelt plea on social media to help her daughter to pursue her love of photography.

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The royal team learned of Liz’s story and invited her to a royal event at Windsor Castle in October, 2024, asking her to serve as photographer.

The teenager photographed Britons being presented with honours by Prince William, accompanied by her parents and younger brother Mateo.

A photo of Liz hugging the Princess of Wales made headlines around the world.

It was the first time the royal had been seen publicly since releasing a video announcing the end of her chemotherapy three weeks prior.

After the ceremony was complete, the teen from North Yorkshire met with the royal couple in private, along with her family.

“They were very good with both the children,” Vicky added of the couple.

Liz also wanted to raise awareness of her form of cancer as it was so rare.

“Without the princess’s support, we wouldn’t have raised nearly as much awareness or funding,” Vicky told the publication.

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“Liz’s story reached the world because of them.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales posted a message upon learning of Liz’s death.

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In a joint personal message shared on their social media accounts, the couple said: “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.

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“Our thoughts and prayers are with Liz’s parents Vicky and Aaron and her brother Mateo at this unimaginably difficult time. W & C.”

The royal family has continued to reach out to the family following Liz’s death, inviting them to the princess’ Christmas carols service at Westminster Abbey in December 2024 and a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May, 2025.

The grateful mum shared on Instagram in December: “We are truly grateful to have been able to say thank you in person to the Prince and Princess of Wales yesterday for all they did for Liz, but also for all the incredible memories they gave us as a family.

“Because of them the end of Liz’s life was about Living not dying. If you are following our story please also give @capturedsrctc a follow.”

“Liz died aged 17 of Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour; a rare and aggressive sarcoma with only a 15% survival rate.

“Liz died just ten months after her diagnosis. Capture Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour Charity is in its infancy but we will spend the rest of our life ensuring it grows – making sure other young people have a better chance of survival than Liz did,” she continued.

“Please do take a look at the posts already on the channel. Help us make sure that this summer we help other young people to Live not survive!” she added.

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