Kate Middleton pictured hugging 'inspiring' teen with rare form of cancer
The Princess of Wales met and embraced a teenage girl with an aggressive and rare form of cancer at Windsor Castle yesterday.
Kate Middleton, 42, recently announced that she had completed chemotherapy after being diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer several months ago.
The mum-of-three was photographed hugging Liz Hatton, 16, at an investiture, a ceremony where honours or rank are officially bestowed on a particular person. It marks her first royal engagement since her diagnosis where photographers have been allowed.
Liz, an aspiring photographer from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, was diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumour in January and was told by doctors that she had between six months and three years to live. Prince William heard about the young teen through his patronage of the London Air Ambulance Charity.
As a lovely gesture, Liz was allowed to take official pictures of the occasion, which featured well-known figures such as cyclist Mark Cavendish. The snaps were later shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales' Instagram account.
'Congratulations to everyone who received honours at Windsor today! It was a pleasure to have @lizhatton_photography helping us to capture these special moments 📸🎖️', the caption read.
Afterwards, the Prince and Princess of Wales met Liz and her family at a private and intimate gathering.
In another heartfelt and personal Instagram post, William and Kate wrote: 'It was 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'
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: 'Following the investiture both the Prince and Princess of Wales met Liz privately with her family to hear about her day and journey.'
Liz was ecstatic after meeting the royal couple. 'Such lovely, genuine and kind people, I'm over the moon that my family and I had this experience,' she shared on social media.
This marks another public appearance for Kate as she gradually returns to her duties after her treatment. She is expected to observe the National Service of Remembrance on 10 November and host her annual Christmas carol service. However, her priority in the coming months will be 'doing what I can to stay cancer-free'.
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