Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge speaks to leukemia sufferer Zakwan Anuar, 15, at Hospis Malaysia. Pix: Getty ImagesPETALING JAYA: The boy who touched the Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine Middleton's heart, passed away from leukaemia on Monday.

Zakwan Anuar, 15, met Catherine when she visited Hospis Malaysia during the royal couple's tour last month. Catherine said he was “very brave” and “very handsome”, and also signed his birthday card.

 Zakwan had postponed a scheduled blood transfusion to meet the royal couple.

The Sun UK quoted a palace spokesman as saying “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are saddened to hear of Zakwan's death. Their thoughts are with his family.”

It also said Catherine was told of Zakwan's death after his mother Norizan Sulong contacted The Sun.

- The Star

Farewell to the boy who gave Kate his last smile

Zakwan Anuar. Pix: Thestar.blogs.comLONDON: The Duchess of Cambridge was last night “saddened” by the death of a boy who gave her his last smile.

Kind-hearted Kate paid special attention to leukaemia patient Zakwan Anuar, 15, during her recent Far East tour with Prince William.

Doctors had expected the tragic lad to die within 48 hours of their meeting, but his 15-minute chat with the Duchess gave him the strength to battle on for two more weeks.

Kate was told of Zakwan’s death after mum Norizan Sulong contacted The Sun. Norizan said: “We were next to him when he had his last moment. He was surrounded by his brother, sister, father, grandfather, grandmothers and school mates. I miss him terribly.”

A St James’s Palace spokeswoman said: “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are saddened to hear of Zakwan’s death. Their thoughts are with his family.”

Kate was compared to the late Princess Diana after her emotional meeting with Zakwan at a hospice in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

She tenderly laid a hand on his cheek and said: “Are you in pain? You’re a brave boy.”

Before the visit, Zakwan spent his days asleep or crying with pain. But his face lit up when he saw Kate. He grinned and told her she was “very pretty” as she signed his birthday card. She said he was “very handsome”.

Norizan, 47, said the “overwhelming” encounter lifted Zakwan’s spirits. She added: “I hope William and Kate will have beautiful and healthy children of their own one day.” 

- The Sun UK

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