KATE'S TOUCHING MOMENT

In a rare public appearance since completing her chemotherapy treatment, the Princess of Wales embraced teen cancer sufferer Liz Hatton at Windsor Castle

- REBECCA RUSSELL

The royal family are gifted with the ability to create magical, once-in-a-lifetime moments – and that’s exactly what the Prince and Princess of Wales did last week when they met 16-year-old Liz Hatton, who has terminal cancer.

In a rare engagement since Kate, 42, finished her chemotherapy treatment last month, she was pictured hugging aspiring photographer Liz – who went viral after her mother shared her photography “bucket list”, as she battles an aggressive form of the disease.

While the meeting at Windsor Castle was later described by the teen as “jaw-dropping”, it also gave royal fans the chance to see the princess at a public engagement again – something former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond has called a “very good sign” in Kate’s cancer recovery.

“Catherine is clearly testing the waters very gently, and these unannounced appearances are such a good sign that she is gaining strength and confidence,” Jennie exclusively told OK!.

“She obviously didn’t want to make a huge song and dance about carrying out an official engagement, but it’s a very encouraging sign that she felt well enough to do so. And what a poignant engagement it was! We should take note of what Liz said about William and Catherine – that they are lovely, genuine and kind people. And that shines through in the photo of Catherine holding Liz close in the warmest of hugs.”