It’s official: Spring has sprung across the pond with royals ranging from King Charles to Kate Middleton popping up at a series of engagements last week including the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show, a Buckingham Palace Garden party and more. But about that royal garden party: It was particularly significant for the Prince and Princess of Wales, not only because it marked Kate’s first time back at the beloved royal occasion in two years following her cancer scare, but also because the pair welcomed some very special guests—the family of late photographer, Liz Hatton.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte & Prince Louis Go Bonkers for This Beloved Toy, Prince William Reveals
According to their royal parents
Published May 26, 2025
•12:00pm
Aaron Chown/Getty Images
Aaron Chown/Getty Images
As you might recall, Kate and William both met with Liz when she photographed an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle last fall, part of a “photography bucket list” dream. At the time, Liz was battling an aggressive form of cancer, which she sadly succumbed to a short time later and at age 17. To help honor her legacy, Liz’s family—her parents Aaron and Vicky Robayna and her 9-year-old brother, Mateo—were included at the royal garden party last week and they came bearing a surprise set of gifts for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
It was actually Mateo who picked them out: A pair of Jellycat plushes, popular with kids (and parents) the world over. According to People, the line of stuffies was a favorite of Liz’s and her family noted that she used to give them to people “who made her happy.” (We’d say that William and Kate for sure fit that bill.)
Aaron Chown/Getty Images
So, which ones did Mateo select? A tarte au citron for Kate (“it matches my dress, how did you know?” the Princess of Wales remarked) while William received a pickled onion (“Liz loved all things pickled,” Vicky explained to the Daily Mail). As for the tarte, it was meant to be a thoughtful reference to Liz’s trip to Windsor Castle last October. At the time, the teen was struggling to eat as a result of her cancer treatment and Kate and William made extra effort to offer her something special. Liz opted to try a slice of lemon drizzle cake and it was a favorite—in fact, she declared it the best she’d ever had, according to her parents. (Mateo thought the tarte represented the cake and Liz’s experience rather well.)
It was William who affirmed just how popular the Jellycat gifts would be with his kids, George, Charlotte and Louis, when he brought them home: “My children will love these. They are children’s currency,” he said. (He’s not wrong.)
Further proof that with gift giving—even the royal variety—it’s always the thought that counts.
