Kate Middleton Is Showing How Her Cancer Experience Might Influence Her Future Royal Appearances

Kate Middleton is finding a way to give back in a meaningful way amid her own cancer battle. The Princess of Wales met with a teen cancer patient on Tuesday, Oct. 1 in a surprise cameo at Windsor Castle.

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Liz Hatton, who was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer with a six-month to three-year life span, was shocked when Kate stopped by to meet her. Hatton, who has a desmoplastic small round cell tumor, was invited by the royal family to capture Prince William’s investiture ceremony as one of her dream wishes. The teen and Kate are both budding photographers, so it was a sweet way for Hatton to end her day.

“Talking to them was amazing ‘cause it was like talking to anyone, like just a normal person,” Hatton told BBC Radio 4’s Today show, via People , of meeting the Prince and Princess of Wales. “There was no sort of grandeur about them, there was just humanity and kindness.” It sounds like Kate and William were also quite excited by their meeting. “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,” they wrote on their official X account .

Kate not only made quite the impression, but she also had a lot in common with the teen. Besides their love of photography, the Princess of Wales knew all too well what Hatton was going through. This new avenue for Kate to make her mark as a royal family member may hint at what her future appearances may look like. Whether it is advocacy for patients or research, the Princess of Wales could make a huge impact in this area of philanthropy — and her surprise visit with Hatton was a great first step.

The Princess of Wales was criticized by some people for making her health update video too cinematic and filled with inappropriate PDA . A Daily Mail insider called the clip “distinctly un-regal” while noting that King Charles III wasn’t happy about its release. “All the time, effort, and expense put into making the video could have been much better spent elsewhere. Why not visit other women being treated for cancer? That’s what Diana would have done,” they said.

Well, it looks like Kate took some of that criticism to heart by making a difference in another cancer patient’s day. The video criticism will be forgotten, but that visit won’t be forgotten by Hatton’s family.

Before you go, click here to see our favorite Kate Middleton mommy moments!