After her unexpected meeting with the Prince and Princess of Wales, Liz Hatton, a 16-year-old girl battling terminal cancer, shared her surprising encounter with William and Kate. Speaking on the BBC’s Today program, Hatton described the moment as a “massive shock.” The touching interaction took place at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, where photos of Hatton embracing Kate went viral.
“It was just kind of a massive shock,” Hatton said of meeting the royal couple. “Talking to them was amazing because it was just like talking to anyone. There was no grandeur about them, just humanity and kindness.”
Hatton’s mother, Vicky, explained how the meeting came to fruition. A gentleman from the London Air Ambulance saw a post about Hatton on Twitter and contacted the palace, leading to an invitation to an investiture ceremony in June. However, Hatton’s chemotherapy schedule prevented her from attending at that time. The palace later helped reschedule her attendance at a different ceremony, much to the family’s surprise.
“We were totally overwhelmed. We didn’t know it was going to be anything more than attending the ceremony,” Vicky said. “It’s been a real whirlwind for us.”
Due to her rare and aggressive cancer, doctors have given Hatton a prognosis of six months to three years. Despite the uncertainty, Hatton has chosen to focus on pursuing her passion for photography and creating happy memories with her loved ones.
“I have a choice of carrying on treatment or carrying on with life,” Hatton shared. “Since my treatment isn’t likely to work, I want to fill my life with good experiences and happy memories. Those moments are what will be most important to me and those around me.”
Hatton’s positive attitude and resilience in the face of adversity have inspired many, and her meeting with William and Kate has brought joy and hope during a challenging time. The royal couple’s gesture of kindness and compassion has left a lasting impact on Hatton and her family, demonstrating the power of human connection and empathy in difficult circumstances.
