Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, have demonstrated their continued compassion and dedication to community engagement by paying tribute to a young photographer, Liz Hatton, who passed away from a rare form of cancer in 2024. The royal couple recently gifted her family a special rose named Ice N Roses Early Rose, a thoughtful gesture in memory of Liz and her passion for photography.
This act of kindness reflects the couple’s long-standing support for young people and families facing serious illness, as well as their ongoing connection with those they meet through royal engagements.
A Tribute Through a Living Memorial
In an interview with People Magazine, Liz Hatton’s mother, Vicky Robayna, shared that the rose variety gifted by Prince William and Princess Catherine is expected to bloom around the anniversary of Liz’s passing. The Ice N Roses Early Rose is known for its early flowering season and resilience—symbolic of Liz’s strength and creativity.
According to Vicky, this floral gift was deeply meaningful for the family and will serve as a lasting tribute in their garden to celebrate Liz’s life. The royal couple’s thoughtful gesture was not made public through press releases or royal channels but was shared by the family during their conversation with the media.
Meeting at Windsor Castle: A Royal Invitation
In October 2024, Prince William and Princess Catherine met Liz Hatton during a special visit to Windsor Castle, where Liz was invited to photograph investiture ceremonies. At the time, Liz was an aspiring young photographer living with a diagnosis of a rare blood cancer.
Her opportunity to take photos at the royal event came through a personal connection—William had learned of Liz’s story via an air ambulance charity. Recognizing her artistic talent and personal resilience, the Prince and Princess extended a private invitation to her.
This meeting marked one of Liz’s final photography assignments before her passing.
A Talented Young Photographer Remembered
Prior to her passing, Liz had been active in the photography community and had held a personal exhibition of her work, showcasing her creative vision and commitment to storytelling through images. Her mother noted in the People interview that Liz had always spoken highly of the royal couple, describing them as kind and approachable during their time together at Windsor Castle.
She also highlighted the way Prince William and Princess Catherine made Liz’s younger brother, Mateo, feel included during the visit, helping him overcome his initial shyness and engage comfortably in conversation. The family described the experience as “walking into an extended family,” expressing their appreciation for the warmth shown by the royal couple.
Public Acknowledgment of Liz’s Passing
Following Liz’s passing in November 2024, Prince William and Princess Catherine issued a statement on their official social media accounts, offering condolences to her family. This public tribute was in line with the couple’s continued support of individuals and families affected by serious illness, a cause that has remained central to their public work.
Continued Connection and Support
The royal couple’s support did not end with the tribute. In December 2024, Vicky Robayna and her family were invited to attend Princess Catherine’s annual Christmas carol service, held at Westminster Abbey. This yearly event, hosted by The Princess of Wales, celebrates community members, volunteers, and individuals who have demonstrated resilience and service to others throughout the year.
By extending this invitation, the royal family reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining meaningful relationships with those they connect with during official engagements. It also provided Liz’s family with a peaceful moment of remembrance during the holiday season.
The Role of the Prince and Princess of Wales in Community Engagement
This story reflects the broader efforts of Prince William and Princess Catherine to support children and families navigating medical and emotional challenges. Over the years, the couple has worked closely with organizations such as:
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The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood
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Place2Be (a children’s mental health charity)
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East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH)
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Teenage Cancer Trust
Princess Catherine, in particular, has been a long-standing advocate for early years development and mental health awareness. Her work with hospitals, schools, and youth centers has aimed to build a more supportive environment for families during critical life moments.
Prince William, meanwhile, has focused on emergency services, mental health support for first responders, and youth mentorship initiatives. Together, they have demonstrated a shared vision of compassionate, modern monarchy, rooted in service and empathy.
A Lasting Legacy of Kindness
While their encounter with Liz Hatton was brief, the impact of the meeting and the royal couple’s continued support for her family speaks volumes about their personal commitment to making meaningful connections through their public roles.
The Ice N Roses Early Rose now planted in Liz’s memory serves not only as a beautiful reminder of her life but also as a reflection of the compassionate leadership shown by the Prince and Princess of Wales. In honoring a young artist who brought creativity and light during a difficult journey, they have demonstrated how public figures can make a difference—quietly and meaningfully.
Conclusion: A Story of Grace and Remembrance
The tribute by Prince William and Princess Catherine to Liz Hatton and her family illustrates how the Royal Family’s influence can extend beyond protocol and ceremony. By offering a simple but heartfelt gift—a blooming rose that will flower near the anniversary of a young photographer’s passing—they have honored her memory in a way that reflects kindness, compassion, and humanity.
This story stands as a reminder of the personal touches that define the modern royal approach, where service meets sincerity and relationships built through public service continue long after the cameras stop.