😢💔A 17-year-old aspiring photographer, who inspired Kate Middleton, has died following a prolonged illness.

In January of this year, a devastating diagnosis was given to 17-year-old Liz: an incurable desmoplastic small round cell tumor. Doctors estimated that she had between six months to three years to live. After receiving the news, Liz quit school and focused on her passion for photography. She made a wish list of things she hoped to accomplish in the limited time she had left.

Kate Middleton, who had undergone chemotherapy for cancer herself, learned about Liz’s story. It deeply moved and inspired her. Liz was invited to Windsor Castle and entrusted with a special task: photographing the awards ceremony Prince William hosted. Afterward, Liz and her family were treated to tea with the Prince and Princess of Wales. Kate Middleton hugged Liz during their meeting, and the two shared a warm conversation, deliberately avoiding discussions about their illnesses and instead bonding over their mutual love for photography. Liz posed for photos with Kate and William, along with her parents and younger brother Mateo.

Sadly, Liz passed away yesterday in her home in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Her condition had rapidly worsened in recent days. Her family decided to celebrate Christmas early that weekend because Mateo wanted his beloved sister to be present for the holiday, but unfortunately, she didn’t live to see it.

Liz’s mother, Vicki Robeyna, shared that the family takes comfort in knowing Liz accomplished so much in such a short time. “Our sweet Liz passed away early this morning. She remained determined until the very end. Just yesterday, she told me I should hire a nurse to help me do more things. She left us in a halo of glory. Almost everyone who cared for her saw her last at her exhibition in London last week. I couldn’t be more proud of her. She faced each day with incredible courage. She was never afraid of death but terrified of leaving her brother behind. Our job now is to make sure we don’t let her down and give our son the life she wanted for him,” said Vicki.

Liz’s parents have received condolences and expressed their gratitude to all those who supported their daughter during her final months. “We are so proud of the kindness, compassion, and bravery Liz showed during this difficult year. She was not only a talented photographer, but also the best person, the most wonderful daughter, and the greatest big sister we could ever dream of. No one fought for life as hard as she did. There is a hole in our lives now, and I don’t know how we will fill it. We are thankful to each and every one of you for making Liz’s last two months the best they could have been. She soared in heaven until the very end.”