A young cancer patient who touched Duchess Catherine’s heart during her 2011 Canada tour has died.
Diamond Marshallwas just six years old when she charmed the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during their royal tour of Canada back in 2011.
And now three years after their touching encounter, the royal couple have expressed their grief after learning of the sad news.
A palace spokesman said that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were saddened by the news of Diamond’s death.
Duchess Catherine mourns the loss of young cancer patient.
Diamond, whose wish was to one day meet a princess, stole hearts worldwide when her dream came true and she was photographed running into Catherine’s arms when the pair met.
During their exchange Diamond, who had already lost her mother to cancer, gave the Duchess a quick hug and then ran back to her family. A humbled Catherine called her back and the two had the chance to talk.
Little Diamond was enthralled by her meeting with the royals, describing Catherine as “beautiful” and William as “a little bit handsome”.
Take a look back at the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge first royal tour.
Her father, Lyall believed that meeting helped her fight the disease.
“That hug had a lot of meaning. We’re very thankful for that meet and greet for her and the whole community rallying behind her,” Lyall said. “From a father’s point of view, when you can say the whole world is rooting for you to get better, I mean, that’s a lot.”
Diamond’s family paid tribute to her in a statement: “Diamond was a warrior but she carried herself with the grace and dignity of a princess. She touched many people along the way and her story inspired so many.”
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