ROYAL visitors praised the bravery of a Colchester teenager fighting cancer.

Harry, 17, a student at Colchester Sixth Form College, is being treated for brain cancer at the Teenage Cancer Trust's unit at University College Hospital in London.

The Duchess of York's and her daughters Beatrice and Eugenie, who have become patrons of the charity, met Harry on a visit.

Harry said the princess was "polite and vibrant", and added: "She listened to me."

Beatrice was in turn inspired by the student, saying: "His strength taught me so much. I learnt a huge lesson today from Harry."

Harry said he likes to think positively, and does not listen to everything doctors say.

He said: "I'm a very strong believer in mind over matter. Statistics are just numbers. Humans are so much more than numbers."

Siobhan Dunn, chief executive of the Teenager Cancer Trust, welcomed the appointment of the royal patrons.

She said it is crucial for the charity to raise more funds.

She said: "Right now, for every young person we reach there's another we can't, but we are determined to change that.

"Sarah, Duchess of York, has been the most extraordinary supporter of Teenage Cancer Trust over the years.

"She has been with us from day one and we're so grateful for her introducing Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie to the charity."