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Duchess of Cambridge saddened by Diamond Marshall’s death

CALGARY – The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were saddened to hear a young Alberta girl has lost her battle with cancer, said a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace.

The young girl who inspired an ambitious charity hockey tournament and caught the eye of the Duchess of Cambridge  passed away Monday night; she was nine years old.

Diamond Marshall’s image was seen throughout the world in 2011 following her meeting with Prince William and Kate Middleton during their trip to Calgary.

Even though the young girl was battling cancer, she smiled brightly as she handed the Duchess a bouquet of flowers. Her family says it was Diamond’s wish to meet a “real princess,” something the Children’s Wish Foundation helped her do.

On Tuesday, Diamond’s family released a statement on her death:

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“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Diamond Ann Marshall, who died from an aggressive form of cancer just before 7 pm on Dec. 8th, 2014. We are incredibly saddened, yet relieved that Diamond is no longer suffering.

Diamond – born June 15, 2005 – had survived cancer three times previously, but in early November, we discovered she had osteosarcoma and we were told this would be the last chapter of her journey.

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We are incredibly thankful for the time we had with Diamond and we will cherish the memories we made with her. In her fight against cancer, 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.

We are also very grateful for the amazing support we have received throughout this journey. It has been overwhelming and it has sustained us through many difficult times.”

– Lyall, Danielle and Freya Marshall

Diamond was just five-years-old when she was diagnosed with a rare form of advanced cancer that became life-threatening.

The Duchess of Cambridge greets six-year-old Diamond Marshall as they arrive in Calgary Thursday, July 7, 2011. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

Her battle with cancer later became a catalyst for a marathon hockey tournament in Chestermere which set a Guinness World Record for the world’s longest hockey game.

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“Very sad news today. Diamond Marshall, the inspiration for the original Hockey Marathon, has passed away,” said a post on the Hockey Marathon for the Kids Facebook page. 

“During her short life, her courage was an inspiration to many. We’ll miss you, Diamond.”

Money raised from the hockey marathon was donated to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.

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