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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.”
Harry and Meghan thanked by former communications chief
Ms Hansen, who has worked for the couple for over two years, will now continue to be employed by Harry and Meghan on a part-time basis.
Praising the opportunity their employment gave her, she said: “I am incredibly grateful to the Duke and Duchess for their continued trust in me.
“Their unwavering support and belief in my new firm has been meaningful and is a testament to their leadership.
“I knew when they first hired me that they were giving me the opportunity of a lifetime and I couldn’t be happier to continue working together.”
Emma Guinness5 October 2024 00:00
Young cancer sufferer says hug from Princess of Wales was ‘mind-blowing’
Liz Hatton, 16, from Harrogate, was invited to Windsor Castle to photograph the investitures as part of her creative bucket list after her rare and aggressive cancer was deemed terminal.
“It was quite a mind-blowing, overwhelming experience, to be honest,” she said of meeting Kate, 42, who is gradually returning to work after completing her own cancer treatment.
“None of us really expected all the stuff that would happen, but I think we all just feel very honoured and amazed that it actually happened.”
The teenager’s family praised the royal family for looking after them and attending to their every need during the special day.
Emma Guinness4 October 2024 21:00
PR expert expresses concerns for Meghan Markle’s new lifestyle brand
Matt Yanofsky, a PR and brand marketing expert, told The Times: “I would have major concerns if I were an investor.
“If I’m an investor, I’m saying to her, ‘you need to find a CEO with a direct business plan that’s going to show profitability, or at least a revenue plan, within the next 60 to 90 days. Otherwise, I’m taking my money out’.”
He added: “I’d be happy to eat my words and best of luck to her, but as of right now, [ARO] seems like it’s the wrong product with the wrong people.”
Emma Guinness4 October 2024 18:00
Prince William praises the many benefits of swimming
Taking to Twitter/X following the visit to Birtley yesterday, Kensington Palace shared pictures of the royal and wrote: “From the Olympics and Paralympics to community pools like this across the country, swimming is an activity with so many physical, mental and social benefits.”
The pictures featured William touring the pool and learning more about its impact on the local community.
From the Olympics and Paralympics to community pools like this across the country, swimming is an activity with so many physical, mental and social benefits. pic.twitter.com/dVzyVGZ1H7
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) October 3, 2024
Emma Guinness4 October 2024 15:00
Duchess of Edinburgh to read story for World Sight Day
Sophie, 59, will read Specs For Rex by Yasmeen Ismail – an important story about what happens to a young lion who does not want to wear glasses to school.
The royal said in a trailer for the upcoming program: “Millions of us need glasses to see the world clearly.
“World Sight Day is a reminder to all of us to take care of our eyes, whether we need glasses or not.
“Our eyes are precious, and our sight is something to cherish and look after. So, let’s remember to take care of our eyes this World Sight Day.”
Emma Guinness4 October 2024 13:30
Harry and Meghan’s communications chief steps down to set up own firm
Ashley Hansen has served as the couple’s global communications chief for two years during a particularly tumultuous period that saw the release of Harry’s bombshell 2023 memoir Spare as well as the death of the late Queen Elizabeth II and the ascension of King Charles III to the throne.
She is reported to be continuing to work for the royals on a part-time basis, overseeing their communications department as she expands her portfolio through her new Los Angeles-based consultancy.
Emma Guinness4 October 2024 12:00
Prince William reveals why he missed Paris Olympics
Prince William has revealed that he did not attend the Paris Olympics this summer because of fears that he could contract Covid and pass it on to the Princess of Wales.
The heir to the throne, 42, made the revelation when he met Olympians Adam Peaty and Tom Dean, and Paralympians Maisie Summers-Newton and Louise Fiddes, in Gateshead yesterday (3 October).
He said: “I was so keen to come but, I have to say, after reading someone’s interview about Covid I decided, because my wife was obviously having chemo, that I didn’t want to risk bringing Covid home.”
William then referred to Mr Peaty’s own positive Covid test during the games, adding: “So Adam very kindly reminded me that was still a thing. But we watched the whole thing. We were glued to it every day.”
Emma Guinness4 October 2024 09:00
Young cancer sufferer ‘over the moon’ to meet Kate and William
A young cancer sufferer who was invited to Windsor Castle to photograph yesterday’s investitures said she was “over the moon” to meet the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Liz Hatton, 16, from Harrogate, was later described as an inspiration by the couple.
“Such lovely, genuine and kind people, I’m over the moon that my family and I had this experience,” she later wrote on X.
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 pic.twitter.com/VARhrbCvkv
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) October 2, 2024
Emma Guinness4 October 2024 08:00
King Charles sends message of condolences to Nepal
“Many in the United Kingdom have strong, deep and personal ties to Nepal, not least through the Gurkhas and their outstanding contribution to the British Army. Together with the British public, we send our deepest condolences to those who have so tragically lost their loved ones, and who continue to be affected.”
Over 200 people are believed to have lost their lives in the flooding and landslides.
Emma Guinness4 October 2024 06:00
What do the royal family need to do to stay relevant?
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.
What do the royal family need to do to stay relevant?
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.
Emma Guinness4 October 2024 03:00