Kate Middleton will reportedly have a hard time navigating life following the heartbreaking loss of 17-year-old aspiring photographer Liz Hatton.

As per recent reports, the Princess of Wales has been deeply moved by Hatton’s death, who passed away on November 27 after battle with an incurable desmoplastic small round cell tumour.

Speaking on the matter, royal expert and commentator Jennie Bond said she believes Liz’s death would have “hit hard” for Kate, the Princess of Wales, who recently shared a heartfelt hug with the teen at Windsor Castle.

In a conversation with OK! Magazine, Bond suggested that Kate’s own experience with cancer has given her a deeper understanding and empathy for others facing the disease.

“As she says, it is an unimaginably difficult time for Liz’s family, especially so close to Christmas,” Bond told the publication.

She added, “Perhaps some small consolation will be that the Princess did manage to meet Liz and give her that very special hug.

“And I believe Catherine absolutely when she says that it was an honour for her to have met Liz – when Liz, I’m sure, felt that it was the other way round.

“Obviously, I think every cancer story will resonate more deeply with Catherine now that she has her own experience of this dreadful disease.”