Every November, a rare flower blooms in the garden of Vicky Robayna in northern England — a rose symbolizing love, loss, and the lasting bond between a young girl named Liz Hatton and the British royal family.
The Ice N’ Roses Early Rose was a deeply personal gift from Prince William and Princess Kate, honoring 17-year-old Liz, who passed away in November 2024 after a courageous battle with a rare cancer. Liz’s inspiring story — and her bucket list mission to become a professional photographer — touched hearts across the world, including those of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
A Royal Connection Sparked by Courage
Liz’s journey gained royal attention after her mother, Vicky, shared a public plea to help fulfill her daughter’s photography dreams. Through a connection at an air ambulance charity affiliated with Prince William, the family was invited to Windsor Castle where Liz photographed a royal honors event.
What followed was beyond expectation. Despite undergoing chemotherapy herself, Princess Kate personally greeted Liz, along with her brother Mateo and parents, offering warmth and kindness that left a lasting impression.
“Liz always said they were two of the most genuine people she had ever met,” Vicky recalled. “What touched her the most was how kind they were to Mateo. They really helped him come out of his shell.”
A Legacy That Lives On
Diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) — an extremely rare form of sarcoma — Liz’s determination to make the most of her time inspired her family to launch Capture, the first global charity dedicated to this cancer type. Since Liz’s passing, the organization has raised over $160,000 to support awareness and research.
Vicky credited Princess Kate’s support as instrumental in helping their mission gain visibility. The royal couple continued to support the family after Liz’s death, inviting them to Kate’s Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey and a garden party at Buckingham Palace in 2025.
Living Fully Until the End
Despite her illness, Liz’s passion for photography never wavered. Even in her final days, she was capturing life through her lens. “She was taking photos just five days before she died,” said Vicky. “It gave her purpose, joy, and a sense of life right up until the end.”
Her story is one of resilience and grace. Liz also wanted people to understand how supportive and compassionate Princess Kate had been — especially as the Princess faced online criticism during her own health battle.
“Liz was deeply hurt by how people treated Kate,” Vicky shared. “She believed it’s every individual’s right to share what they want about their health — and she wanted to show the world how kind the princess truly was.”
A Flower That Blooms with Memory
When Liz passed away on November 27, 2024, Kate and William sent a heartfelt message, signed “W & C,” expressing their condolences. They also quietly sent a symbolic rose to the family — one that now blooms each year near the anniversary of Liz’s death.
For her younger brother Mateo, the memories aren’t of hospital beds but of meaningful moments: capturing images at Windsor Castle, meeting photographer Rankin, and being part of something extraordinary.
“His memories of Liz are happy ones — and they’ll stay with him forever,” Vicky said. “That’s the greatest gift of all.”
