With stage four cancer, little Diamond Marshall may not live to see her dream of meeting Sleeping Beauty's Princess Aurora at Disneyland. But the six-year-old came pretty close yesterday when she was invited to present a bouquet of flowers to the Duchess of Cambridge as she arrived in Calgary, Canada. Diamond was so thrilled by the opportunity, that instead of passing across the bouquet, she flung herself forward for a hug, much to Catherine's delight. As well as the colourful posy, Diamond also presented a heart-shaped trinket box, containing a friendship bracelet she had made for the Duchess herself.
The heartbreaking story behind the little girl who melted Kate’s heart
It was a rare moment of joy for the youngster, who has been suffering from undifferentiated sarcoma, a rare childhood cancer that affects the body's soft tissues. Since her diagnosis in February, she has been through surgery and spent weeks in and out of hospital, and has lost her hair due to chemotherapy treatment for the tumour on her abdomen. Her illness is fresh hardship for the family following the loss of her mother, Memory Marshall, to a different cancer four years ago, at the age of just 32.
Today, Diamond's stepmother, Danielle Marshall, 32, told MailOnline how she and her husband Lyall, 37, made the kindergartener's dream a reality. Well aware of his daughter's love for all things princess-related, Mr Marshall had mused: 'Maybe she should meet Princess Kate... She will be coming to Calgary, after all.' The response was overwhelming enthusiasm from Diamond, who wrote a touching letter to the Duchess expressing her desire. It read: 'Dear Princess Kate. My name is Diamond Ann. I am six. I was named after Princess Diana. My Mommy Memory is in heaven with her. I have cancer. I spend a lot of time at the hospital. I watched you get married from my bed there. You looked pretty. I like playing Princess dress up. My favourite princess is Aurora. Who is yours. I would really like to meet you. Do you wait [sic] to meet me too? '
Mrs Marshall said Catherine was 'so lovely and so gracious. For a little girl who has dreamed of meeting a princess it was a dream come true.' Mr Marshall added: 'This is so great for her health - it's such a boost for her emotionally, and for her strength.'
The heartbreaking story behind the little girl who melted Kate’s heart
It was a rare moment of joy for the youngster, who has been suffering from undifferentiated sarcoma, a rare childhood cancer that affects the body's soft tissues. Since her diagnosis in February, she has been through surgery and spent weeks in and out of hospital, and has lost her hair due to chemotherapy treatment for the tumour on her abdomen. Her illness is fresh hardship for the family following the loss of her mother, Memory Marshall, to a different cancer four years ago, at the age of just 32.
Today, Diamond's stepmother, Danielle Marshall, 32, told MailOnline how she and her husband Lyall, 37, made the kindergartener's dream a reality. Well aware of his daughter's love for all things princess-related, Mr Marshall had mused: 'Maybe she should meet Princess Kate... She will be coming to Calgary, after all.' The response was overwhelming enthusiasm from Diamond, who wrote a touching letter to the Duchess expressing her desire. It read: 'Dear Princess Kate. My name is Diamond Ann. I am six. I was named after Princess Diana. My Mommy Memory is in heaven with her. I have cancer. I spend a lot of time at the hospital. I watched you get married from my bed there. You looked pretty. I like playing Princess dress up. My favourite princess is Aurora. Who is yours. I would really like to meet you. Do you wait [sic] to meet me too? '
Mrs Marshall said Catherine was 'so lovely and so gracious. For a little girl who has dreamed of meeting a princess it was a dream come true.' Mr Marshall added: 'This is so great for her health - it's such a boost for her emotionally, and for her strength.'
Royal couple touch down in LA
Following their 8-day whirlwind tour of Canada, Prince William and Duchess Kate landed safely at the airport in Los Angeles at 3:50 p.m. on Friday afternoon.
What did Kate, 29, don for her very first step on American soil? A lavender Peridot dress by Roksanda Illinic and, as ever, her nude LK Bennett pumps. She and Willam, 29, were greeted by California Governor Jerry Brown, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the Brit Ambassador to the U.S., Sir Nigel Sheinwald.
The British royals went straight from the airport to the Beverly Hilton for a UKTI reception to meet with up-and-coming entrepreneurs. Next up Friday evening? A meet-and-greet with senior politicians and other high-profile figures at the Consular General's residence in Los Angeles. Brian Gott, the publisher of Variety said the couple met 20 industry execs backstage before they met the panel including film director Brett Ratner who chatted with Prince William. 'The prince told Brett that he enjoyed his movies Rush Hour and Silence of the Lambs. He was very knowledgeable and made us all feel very relaxed. Kate apologised for having slightly clammy hands, she seemed a little nervous. William was very relaxed, he poured his own drink, apple juice, and extended his hand to everyone he met. They weren't in any hurry to get away. They were totally charming. I've met every star in the world but these are the two most genuine down to earth people I've ever met
After getting some shut-eye, the just-married duo will head to Santa Barbara on Saturday for a polo match, where the Prince will play and Kate will give out prizes. Stars expected at that polo match include Rosario Dawson, Orlando Bloom, Zoe Saldana, Alex Pettyfer and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. That night, even more celebs are expected -- Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Kidman, Barbra Streisand, Dana Delaney, Cat Deeley and many others -- at a BAFTA reception held in honor of the couple at L.A.'s Belasco Theater.
What did Kate, 29, don for her very first step on American soil? A lavender Peridot dress by Roksanda Illinic and, as ever, her nude LK Bennett pumps. She and Willam, 29, were greeted by California Governor Jerry Brown, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the Brit Ambassador to the U.S., Sir Nigel Sheinwald.
The British royals went straight from the airport to the Beverly Hilton for a UKTI reception to meet with up-and-coming entrepreneurs. Next up Friday evening? A meet-and-greet with senior politicians and other high-profile figures at the Consular General's residence in Los Angeles. Brian Gott, the publisher of Variety said the couple met 20 industry execs backstage before they met the panel including film director Brett Ratner who chatted with Prince William. 'The prince told Brett that he enjoyed his movies Rush Hour and Silence of the Lambs. He was very knowledgeable and made us all feel very relaxed. Kate apologised for having slightly clammy hands, she seemed a little nervous. William was very relaxed, he poured his own drink, apple juice, and extended his hand to everyone he met. They weren't in any hurry to get away. They were totally charming. I've met every star in the world but these are the two most genuine down to earth people I've ever met
After getting some shut-eye, the just-married duo will head to Santa Barbara on Saturday for a polo match, where the Prince will play and Kate will give out prizes. Stars expected at that polo match include Rosario Dawson, Orlando Bloom, Zoe Saldana, Alex Pettyfer and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. That night, even more celebs are expected -- Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Kidman, Barbra Streisand, Dana Delaney, Cat Deeley and many others -- at a BAFTA reception held in honor of the couple at L.A.'s Belasco Theater.
