In her first public engagement since announcing she had completed a course of chemotherapy, The Princess of Wales met a fellow cancer sufferer – and photographer – at Windsor Castle.
Catherine and Liz shared a hug upon meeting. (Kensington Royal)
Aged 16, Liz Roboyna is battling a rare and aggressive tumour, and is working her way through a bucket list of capturing photos.
Her diagnosis came in January, the same month as Catherine’s own exploratory surgery that revealed cancer, and was given anywhere from six months to three years to live. About 12 people each year are diagnosed with this each year in the UK and there is no standard treatment pattern for it.
In May, Hatton’s mother shared her daughter’s bucket list of photography achievements on X, saying: ‘We hope every day for a lifetime for her but if we can’t achieve that we hope to create her a lifetime of memories. If we can make even one of her photography bucket-list happen for her she will be beyond delighted.’
The list included snapping a West End musical, the runway at London Fashion Week, and music festivals.
Liz with her family, alongside The Prince and Princess. (Kensington Royal)
William came across Liz’s story via one of his Patronages, the London Air Ambulance. The future King asked Liz to join him at an investiture on 2nd October, where the likes of Mark Cavendish, Waynes Barnes and Alistair McCoist received their honours.
Following the investiture, Liz and her family met with William and Catherine to hear about her day and journey.
Sharing a message on their social media channels, the Prince and Princess wrote: ‘A pleasure to meet with Liz at Windsor today. A talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both. Thank you for sharing your photos and story with us. W&C’.
This was the second official engagement Catherine attended since completion of her chemo, and shows the small steps the Princess is taking to return to work.
