The Prince and Princess of Wales have paid a heartfelt tribute to Liz Hatton, a talented young photographer who tragically passed away at just 17 after a brave battle with a rare form of cancer.

In a deeply personal message, the royal couple expressed their sorrow and admiration for Liz, whose courage and creativity left a lasting impact.

“We are so sorry to hear that Liz Hatton has sadly passed away.

It was an honor to have met such a brave and humble young woman.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Liz’s parents Vicky and Aaron, and her brother Mato at this unimaginably difficult time,” the couple wrote in a joint statement shared with the public.

In a separate address ahead of Addiction Awareness Week, Princess Katherine delivered a powerful and compassionate statement calling for empathy and understanding for those battling addiction. As patron of The Forward Trust, Katherine emphasized the importance of combating stigma and providing support for individuals and families affected by addiction.

She called on communities to show kindness, offer a listening ear, and stand by those facing challenges. Katherine commended the tireless efforts of charities across the country, noting, “They cannot do it alone. It is up to each and every one of us to change the way we think about and consider the many people coping with addiction because recovery is possible.”

As patron of The Forward Trust, Katherine has consistently used her platform to raise awareness of mental health and addiction issues, and her advocacy remains a cornerstone of her royal work. Her words of compassion and support resonate with many, offering encouragement to those who may be struggling.