Dame Deborah James, the journalist and campaigner who stole the hearts of people in the UK and around the world with her work as the "Bowel Babe," sadly passed away on June 28 at the young age of 40.

Diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer in 2016, James raised awareness of the disease through podcasts and media appearances, raised funds for charity, and wrote the appropriately named memoir and self-help book, F*** You Cancer (opens in new tab) writing and, in her own words, made bowel cancer in general "sexy."

Along with millions of people in the UK and abroad, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were devastated to hear of James' passing. They honored her on Twitter.

"We are so saddened to hear Deborah's tragic news. Our thoughts are with her children, family, and her loved ones," they wrote.

"Deborah was an inspirational and unwaveringly brave woman, W & C."

A few months before her passing, Prince William had bestowed a knighthood on James in honor of her amazing achievements.

The prince had visited James at home to present her with the award and had previously commented on what a beautiful occasion it was.

"It was such an honor to speak with her. It felt like a very personal family moment.

Regarding the family's champagne celebration, the Duke beautifully described James' lightness and humor.

"She basically said, 'I can drink now, I can drink now, this is great.'

"She was triple parking and kept making jokes about how many drinks she could line up in front of her."

While announcing James' death on Instagram, the posters shared James' advice for life. She said, "Find a life worth enjoying, take risks, love deeply, have no regrets, and always, defiantly hope. And last but not least, check your crap."