The teenager with a rare form of cancer who met the Princess of Wales as she returned to duty on Wednesday has revealed what was said during their touching conversation.
Photographs of the meeting show Kate, 42, who recently finished chemotherapy, hugging Liz Hatton, 16, from Harrogate after she was invited to photograph the investitures on Wednesday.
Liz has described getting a hug from Kate as “really special” as she revealed what they spoke about during their “genuine” and “lovely” half-an-hour chat.
“There was nothing about them that suggested they were superior,” she told The Mirror. “They were just really human to be honest and really natural. There was never a moment of awkwardness. It was normal to talk to them. They talked a lot about my photography.”
She added that Kate talked a “little bit” about her own love of photography and she asked about what camera she uses.
Kate and Prince William later said on social media: “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.”
Key Points
- Princess of Wales meets fellow cancer sufferer as return to duty continues
- Prince Harry arrives in South Africa without Meghan Markle
- Prince William celebrates new helicopters with David Beckham
Prince Harry receives adorable gift at WellChild Awards in case he ‘feels down’
Thursday 3 October 2024 17:00
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry was honoured with a thoughtful gift by one of the many inspirational children at this year’s WellChild Awards.
The Duke of Sussex, who recently turned 40, flew to London especially for the occasion, which honours the achievements of seriously ill young people and their families.
Scarlett Cripps, 10, who won the Inspirational Child Award in the seven to 11 category, said she wanted to give the prince and his family a present that might help them if they are ever “feeling down”.
She was in attendance with her mum, Aby, and younger sister, Sienna, seven, who also met with the prince.
“[Sienna] gave Prince Harry some crystal hearts so if he feels down he can give a crystal heart to each of his family members to squeeze and make them feel a lot happier,” the proud mum explained.
“They’re little baby crystal hearts. She said he does so much for other people as well. She’s getting an award tonight for the stuff she does for others and wanted to give him something back, as well.”
Reflecting on meeting Harry, the youngster told PEOPLE: “It was really exciting. We were talking about his charities.”
Scarlett, who has complex medical needs, was recognised for her determination to cheer up others facing similar health battles.
Prince William celebrates Aston Villa’s historic win
Thursday 3 October 2024 15:00
Emma Guinness
The Prince of Wales celebrated Aston Villa’s historic win over Bayern Munich so hard that he lost his voice.
In scenes that have not been seen since their European Cup final win 42 years ago, the team emerged victorious with a final result of 1-0 over their German rival last night.
William said: “I’ve lost my voice. I can’t quite believe it. 42 years.”
The heir to the throne met the team ahead of the historic game at the Villa Park stadium in Birmingham.
Kate’s touching conversation with teen with cancer who has weeks left to live revealed
Thursday 3 October 2024 12:39
Athena Stavrou
The teenager with a rare form of cancer who met the Princess of Wales as she returned to duty on Wednesday has revealed what was said during their touching conversation.
Photographs of the meeting show Kate, 42, who recently finished chemotherapy, hugging Liz Hatton, 16, from Harrogate after she was invited to photograph the investitures on Wednesday.
Liz has described getting a hug from Kate as “really special” as she revealed what they spoke about during their “genuine” and “lovely” half-an-hour chat.
“There was nothing about them that suggested they were superior,” she told The Mirror. “They were just really human to be honest and really natural. There was never a moment of awkwardness. It was normal to talk to them. They talked a lot about my photography.”
She added that Kate talked a “little bit” about her own love of photography and she asked about what camera she uses.
Prince William travelling to Birtley today for key life skills engagement
Thursday 3 October 2024 12:00
Emma Guinness
The Prince of Wales is travelling to Birtley in Tyne and Wear to open a new local community swimming pool.
Explaining the importance of the engagement, Kensington Palace said in a statement: “Although swimming is a vital life skill and the only sport that can save lives, almost one in three children in the UK currently leave primary education unable to swim.
“The Royal Foundation recently convened people from across the swimming sector to share their expertise, helping us shine a spotlight on the importance of access to swimming in local communities.”
King Charles embraces Commonwealth dance lesson
Thursday 3 October 2024 10:27
Emma Guinness
King Charles did not think twice when he was asked if he would like to take a Samoan dancing lesson at St James’s Palace.
Freddy Tuilagi, 53, choreographed the monarch’s routine which took place at a 300-guest-strong Commonwealth reception.
He described the king’s performance as “good” and admitted “he’s got the moves”.
Princess of Wales meets fellow cancer sufferer as return to duty continues
Thursday 3 October 2024 08:32
Emma Guinness
The Princess of Wales yesterday met with an inspiring teenager battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer as she continues her return to duty.
Kate, 42, announced last month that she had completed chemotherapy for her own undisclosed form of cancer.
A picture of the princess hugging Liz Hatton, 16, from Harrogate after she was invited to photograph the investitures at Windsor Castle was later posted to social media.
Kate and Prince William 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”
Prince Harry described as a ‘warrior’ by fellow royal
Thursday 3 October 2024 06:00
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry was described as a “warrior” by fellow royal Prince Seeiso of Lesotho.
The pair co-founded the charity Sentebale in 2006, which helps children and young people affected by HIV and AIDS diagnosis.
They reunited last night for a bonfire in Lesotho where they reflected upon the charity’s progress in recent years, and Prince Seeiso, 58, described the duke as “my younger brother Mohale, the warrior”.
Harry, who recently turned 40, said: “We’re hitting the targets, not just Sentebale but in general all of the departments are, and it’s making a massive difference, and it is this surge of energy and optimism and the voice of young people, ranging from six to 25.
“And the biggest difference, of which really needs more work, the biggest difference is when people from the top start listening.”
What do the royal family need to do to stay relevant?
Thursday 3 October 2024 03:00
Emma Guinness
Can the royal family and King Charles adapt to the modern age and stay relevant? Will Harry be able to rejoin The Firm? And what will the next generation of royalty be like?
These and more questions from our audience were answered in The Independent’s virtual event on the future of the royal family.
Hosted by assistant editor Victoria Harper, the panel features bestselling authors Anna Pasternak and Tessa Dunlop, plus royal historian Jonathan Spangler.
If you enjoy our virtual events, please consider supporting The Independent with a donation or by subscribing to Independent Premium.
The reason why Prince Harry will not bring Meghan Markle to the UK
Thursday 3 October 2024 00:00
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry explained earlier this year why he will not bring his wife Meghan Markle back to the UK.
The Duke of Sussex made a flying visit to his home country for the WellChild Awards this week before immediately jetting off to Southern Africa for another solo charitable engagement.
Speaking to ITV’s Tabloids on Trial, he said that he has genuine concerns for his wife’s safety in the UK because of negative tabloid stories.
“All it takes is one lone actor, one person who reads this stuff to act on what they have read,” Harry said. “And whether it’s a knife or acid, whatever it is, and these are things that are of genuine concern for me.”
King given a Samoan dancing lesson
Wednesday 2 October 2024 22:47
Alex Ross
The King has been given a Samoan dancing lesson ahead of his trip to the Pacific nation – and was dubbed a man with “moves”.
Charles did not need to be asked twice when a guest at his Commonwealth reception, celebrating achievements of people from the “family of nations”, asked him to dance.
Freddy Tuilagi, 53, the eldest brother of the famous rugby-playing siblings, choreographed the King’s performance, holding out his arms across his chest and fluttering them, which Charles copied.
The King smiled as he moved and was watched by the Queen, and at one point Mr Tuilagi, an honorary consul with the Samoan High Commission, gave Charles a ceremonial fly swat, which was hung over his shoulder.
Mr Tuilagi said after the performance: “I told King I’m going to dance for you, when you go to Samoa, this is how they will dance.”
Asked to critique the King’s performance, he replied: “Good – he’s got the moves.”
Charles and Camilla hosted the St James’ Palace event ahead of their forthcoming trip to Australia and Samoa later his month, with the Pacific nation the setting for a major gathering of Commonwealth leaders.
Kate hugs teenager with life-limiting cancer
Wednesday 2 October 2024 22:14
Alex Ross
The Prince and Princess of Wales have met an aspiring photographer with a rare and aggressive form of cancer after inviting the teenager to take pictures at investitures at Windsor Castle.
Kate was pictured hugging Liz Hatton, 16, from Harrogate, after the teenager and her family attended the ceremony on Wednesday.
The princess has recently completed her chemotherapy treatment following her own cancer diagnosis.
Liz described being “over the moon” after meeting the prince and princess at the castle.
“Such lovely, genuine and kind people, I’m over the moon that my family and I had this experience,” she wrote on social media.
The teenager began a photography bucket list appeal after being diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumour in January.
Her mum, Vicky Roboyna, said in June doctors have told her daughter she has between six months and three years to live.
Prince Harry praised for affinity with children
Wednesday 2 October 2024 21:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex has been praised for the clear affinity he showed with children at the WellChild Awards.
In one adorable moment, Harry, 40, burst into laughter as a young boy grabbed his beard.
Body language expert Judi James told The Mirror: “His chats with the children show Harry perhaps at his best, fully immersed in the conversations with the children, leaning forward onto his legs to get to their height and show very active listening skills that will make them feel totally relaxed and important.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla to host Commonwealth reception
Wednesday 2 October 2024 18:00
Emma Guinness
King Charles and Queen Camilla will host a reception for select guests from across the Commonwealth, it has been revealed.
With a guest list reported to be 300 strong, the event will take place at St James’s Palace at an unspecified date.
Singer Grace Jones, dancer Motsi Mabuse, and rugby player Theo McFarland are all expected to be in attendance as the achievements of those in the Commonwealth are celebrated.
Princess Anne meets with Gurkha personnel
Wednesday 2 October 2024 15:00
Emma Guinness
The Princess Royal has continued with her busy schedule by meeting with Gurkha personnel and their families this week.
Princess Anne, 73, was forced to take a step back from her duties earlier this year after reportedly being kicked by a horse.
The Brigade of Gurkhas are said to be some of the best soldiers in the British Army.
Prince Harry did not appear to meet family on flying UK visit
Wednesday 2 October 2024 12:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex appears to have not met any of his immediate family on his flying visit to the UK this week.
Harry, 40, attended the WellChild Awards in London on Monday night, which was held in a hotel around a 15-minute walk from Kensington Palace.
It is not known exactly when he last saw his brother, Prince William, but he is believed to have last since King Charles for a reported 45 minutes following the announcement of his cancer diagnosis in February.
Harry is a patron of the WellChild Awards – an event that celebrates the achievements of seriously ill young people in the UK and their carers.
Prince William looks forward to Earthshot Prize in Cape Town
Wednesday 2 October 2024 11:00
Emma Guinness
Prince William appears to be looking forward to the annual Earthshot Prize in Cape Town.
Established by the Prince of Wales in 2020, the Earthshot Prize recognises and supports those who are making an impact to protect the environment.
The official Kensington Palace Twitter/X account said that there are “just five weeks to go” this morning as Prince Harry arrived in South Africa last night to support his charity Sentebale.
Prince Harry all smiles with fellow royal in South Africa
Wednesday 2 October 2024 10:00
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry was all smiles as he reunited with his friend Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in Southern Africa yesterday.
The pair were attending a charity event to raise awareness of the charity Sentebale, which supports young people affected by HIV.
This is the first time that Harry has visited South Africa since 2019 when he was still a working member of the British royal family.
Prince Harry arrives in South Africa without Meghan Markle
Wednesday 2 October 2024 08:46
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex has continued his charity work without Meghan Markle by raising awareness of Sentebale in South Africa last night.
After a flying visit to the UK for the WellChild Awards, Harry met with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho at a bonfire to reflect on the charity’s progress and the work that still needs to be done.
Established by Harry, 40, in 2006, Sentebale affects young people affected by HIV.
Harry said: “We’re hitting the targets, not just Sentebale but all of the departments are, and it’s making a massive difference, and it is this surge of energy and optimism and the voice of young people ranging from six to 25 – and the biggest difference of which really needs more work, is when people from the top start listening.”
Prince Harry claims ‘rift’ with family was made worse by tabloids
Wednesday 2 October 2024 08:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex has claimed that his ongoing rift with the royal family was worsened by the tabloid press.
Harry, 40, made the revelation earlier this year in the ITV documentary Tabloids on Trial.
This comes as he once again appears to have seen none of his immediate family while visiting the UK this week for the WellChild Awards.
“The mission continues,” he said of his fight against press intrusion, “but it has, yes, it’s caused, as you say, part of a rift.”
Queen Camilla’s son opens up about mother’s drinking and smoking in new book
Wednesday 2 October 2024 06:00
Emma Guinness
Tom Parker Bowles has shed light on Queen Camilla’s “reputation” for heavy drinking and smoking in a new book.
Mr Parker Bowles, 49, wrote in Cooking and the Crown that the rumours around his mother’s love of certain vices are simply “inaccurate”.
He explained: “If anyone ever meets my mother, they always… I mean, a son would say this, but she’s someone I love going to have dinner with.
“And I go for a walk with her in Scotland. You’re always going to have your rows, differences of opinion.
“It would be very odd if we agreed [on] everything. Creepy. I certainly would annoy her sometimes.
“Oh, you know she has that reputation of drinking gin and smoking? Never drunk a glass of gin in her life. Doesn’t smoke.”
He went on to explain that he has never even seen his mother “so much as tipsy”.
Prince Harry shares sweet insight into Princess Lilibet’s life
Wednesday 2 October 2024 03:00
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry shared a sweet insight into his young daughter Princess Lilibet’s life at the WellChild Awards in London.
The prince opened up when Noah Nicholson, six, threw one of his cuddly toys at him – a giraffe named Raffy.
He said: “Is this the same one? No way! Every parent has a spare. I’ve got at least six spares.
“My daughter Lili has these Lovies.”
Prince Harry given supportive message at WellChild Awards
Wednesday 2 October 2024 00:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex received a supportive message from an audience member at the WellChild Awards.
Harry, 40, was attending in his capacity as patron for the charity which supports seriously ill young people and their carers.
While delivering a speech, he said: “So, keep being you. You’ve got this and we’ve got you.”
An audience member proceeded to shout: “We’ve got you too!”
Prince William celebrates exhibition highlighting homelessness
Tuesday 1 October 2024 21:00
Emma Guinness
Prince William has celebrated the success of his Homewards initiative’s art exhibition.
In a post shared by the official Kensington Palace Twitter/X account, the charity wrote: “Thank you to everyone who visited & supported Homelessness: Reframed at @Saatchi_gallery.
“Over 47,000 visitors came to see the exhibition that aimed to improve understanding & inspire optimism that homelessness can be ended, this is just the start of our work.”
Homewards was set up with the aim of eradicating homelessness in the UK.
Boris Johnson claims late Queen Elizabeth II was secretly battling cancer
Tuesday 1 October 2024 18:00
Emma Guinness
Boris Johnson has claimed in his upcoming memoir that the late Queen Elizabeth II was secretly battling cancer in the leadup to her death.
“Her doctors were worried that at any time she could enter a sharp decline,” Johnson wrote in Unleashed.
“She seemed pale and more stooped, and she had dark bruising on her hands and wrists, probably from drips or injections.”
The former prime minister added: “As Edward Young explained to me later, she had known all summer that she was going, but was determined to hang on and do her last duty: to oversee the peaceful and orderly transition from one government to the next.”
The Independent has reached out to Buckingham Palace for comment.
Princess Beatrice pregnant with second child, Palace announces
Tuesday 1 October 2024 15:26
Emma Guinness
Buckingham Palace has announced that Princess Beatrice is pregnant with her second child.
The daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, 36, and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi will be welcoming their new arrival next spring.
They already share a daughter, Sienna, three, and Mr Mapelli Mozzi has a son from a previous relationship, Wolfie, eight.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their second child together in early spring; a sibling for Wolfie, aged eight, and Sienna, aged three.
“His Majesty The King has been informed and both families are delighted with the news.”
The child will be 11th in line to the throne.
Prince Harry explains why he will not bring Meghan Markle to the UK
Tuesday 1 October 2024 15:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex explained earlier this year why he will not bring his wife Meghan Markle to the UK.
Harry, 40, attended the WellChild Awards in London yesterday, but his spouse was notably absent.
Speaking to ITV’s Tabloids on Trial, he said that he will not risk bringing her to the UK as he fears a “knife or acid attack” inspired by negative tabloid stories.
Meghan, 43, last stepped out in public in the UK for the late Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022.
Prince William celebrates new helicopters with David Beckham
Tuesday 1 October 2024 13:00
Emma Guinness
Prince William has today celebrated the unveiling of the London Air Ambulance’s new helicopters with none other than David Beckham.
A series of images of the pair posing with the vehicles and their crew was shared to the official Kensington Palace Twitter/X account.
Prince William to celebrate London Air Ambulance’s new fleet
Tuesday 1 October 2024 12:00
Emma Guinness
Prince William will attend an event celebrating the introduction of the London Air Ambulance’s new fleet.
The Prince of Wales, 42, is set to view the helicopters themselves and meet with their crew following a successful fundraising effort to introduce two new vehicles.
Praising the success of the Up Against Time appeal on Twitter/X, William, a former air ambulance pilot himself, wrote: “Fantastic News! This is going to have a life-saving impact.
“A huge thank you to everyone who donated W.”
Prince Harry praises ‘little legends’ at WellChild Awards
Tuesday 1 October 2024 09:25
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex took the opportunity to praise the “little legends” being honoured at the 2024 WellChild Awards as he gave a brief speech at the event.
Harry, 40, has been a patron of the charity which supports and celebrates seriously ill young people and their carers since 2007.
Harry said: “Thank you for your courage, your perseverance, your kindness and of course your humour. And thank you for being you and uplifting all those around you.
“The WellChild Awards is an event that never fails to inspire me.
“The stories of young people who battle against the odds, living lives filled with medical procedures, hospital stays and endless appointments, remind us all of the strength of the human spirit.
“For many of us, it is a daily life we can hardly imagine, and yet somehow, the young people I meet are always smiling and every room they walk into seemingly lights up with warmth and positivity.”
Prince William to step out in London today
Tuesday 1 October 2024 09:04
Emma Guinness
Prince William is set to step out in London today following Prince Harry’s triumphant appearance at the WellChild Awards in the city last night.
The heir to the throne, 42, will be visiting a 2023 finalist of his Earthshot Prize, ENSO, which specialises in creating sustainable tyres for electric vehicles.
This will see him meet with the company’s CEO, Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, to discuss the progress it has made over the past year.
Adorable moment youngster grabs Prince Harry’s beard
Tuesday 1 October 2024 08:59
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry proved that he has a natural affinity with children at yesterday’s WellChild Awards when a young boy grabbed his beard.
In response, the duke, who recently turned 40, simply burst out laughing.
Harry was attending the event in his capacity as patron for the charity, a role he has held since 2007, and gave a brief speech as he presented an award.
The event celebrated the achievements of seriously ill children and their carers.
‘Rather ugly’ statue of Prince Philip removed
Tuesday 1 October 2024 06:00
Emma Guinness
A statue of the late Prince Philip that was described as “rather ugly” by a local councillor has been removed.
The controversial artwork, known as the Cambridge Don, was located outside an office building in Cambridge and had been moved to the spot without the correct planning permission in 2023.
“The statue was erected without planning permission and was in breach of planning control like anything erected without the correct permission,” a spokesperson for the council said.
“Given its size and location in the New Town and Glisson Road conservation area, it would have been unlikely to receive planning approval even if it had been sought because it would have contravened national and local planning policies.
“As we have said throughout this process, it’s frustrating that the council has had to spend time and money to achieve this outcome, but the inspector’s decision makes it very clear that planning policies are in place for a reason and should be respected.”
The late Duke of Edinburgh was the vice-chancellor of Cambridge University and the 3,000kg work was said to represent him in his role.
King Charles sends condolences following death of Dame Maggie Smith
Tuesday 1 October 2024 03:00
Emma Guinness
King Charles has issued a condolence message following the death of Dame Maggie Smith on Friday (27 September).
In a statement shared to official Buckingham Palace channels, the monarch wrote: “My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dame Maggie Smith.
“As the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we join all those around the world in remembering with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances, and her warmth and wit that shone through both on and off the stage.”
What do the royal family need to do to stay relevant?
Tuesday 1 October 2024 00:00
Emma Guinness
Can the royal family and King Charles adapt to the modern age and stay relevant? Will Harry be able to rejoin The Firm? And what will the next generation of royalty be like?
These and more questions from our audience were answered in The Independent’s virtual event on the future of the royal family.
Hosted by assistant editor Victoria Harper, the panel features bestselling authors Anna Pasternak and Tessa Dunlop, plus royal historian Jonathan Spangler.
If you enjoy our virtual events, please consider supporting The Independent with a donation or by subscribing to Independent Premium.
Prince William films video for upcoming Earthshot prize project
Monday 30 September 2024 21:00
Emma Guinness
The Prince of Wales has shared some behind-the-scenes snaps of himself out in nature for an upcoming Earthshot prize project.
William, 42, launched the prize in 2020 to recognise and support individuals making significant contributions towards protecting the environment.
Prince Harry bursts out laughing as young boy grabs his beard at WellChild charity event
Monday 30 September 2024 20:08
Holly Evans
Boy, seven, grabs Prince Harry’s beard during sweet encounter at awards
Monday 30 September 2024 19:15
Holly Evans
As part of his role as patron of Wellchild, Prince Harry met with families and children, including Noah Noah Nicholson, who has complex medical needs.
He has cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease and other serious health issues, but his mother, Tracey Nicholson, 42, from Grimsby, said he remains happy and positive and lives life to the full.
The seven-year-old brought his prized comfort toys – George the cat and Ratty the Giraffe in the shape of a blanket – and delighted in throwing them on to the floor.
When Ms Nicholson apologised for her son’s antics, Harry, who is WellChild’s patron, replied: “Don’t apologise, I love it.”
Harry recognised Ratty the Giraffe and called the blanket comforter “lovey”, a name used in American, and
