Prince William has spoken candidly about how difficult 2024 was for him and his family, calling it the “hardest year” of his life as both Princess Kate and King Charles faced cancer diagnoses.
The Prince of Wales, 43, opens up in the upcoming episode of The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy on Apple TV+, set to air October 3. The episode sees host Eugene Levy, 78, visit Windsor Castle after receiving an invitation from William, who personally gives him a tour of the historic estate.
As the pair walk the castle grounds, William jokes about life at home with three young children, saying sleep is the most valuable luxury. Later, while sharing a pint in a local pub, the conversation turns more serious as William reflects on the year that changed everything.
“I’d say 2024 was the hardest year I’ve ever had,” he admits in the preview clip. “Life is sent to test us. Being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are.”
Family Health Battles
The prince described how the health crises of both his wife and father had shaken him. “We’ve been very lucky; we hadn’t had many illnesses in the family for a very long time. My grandparents lived until they were in their nineties. They were the vision of fitness, stoicism, and resilience,” he said.
“But you suddenly realise that the metaphorical rug can be pulled from under your feet at any point. You think to yourself, ‘It won’t happen to us.’ But when it does, it takes you into some pretty not great places.”
In January 2024, King Charles underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate, during which doctors identified a separate form of cancer. Buckingham Palace confirmed he began regular treatments, forcing him to scale back public duties.
Around the same time, Kate, 43, had “planned abdominal surgery.” Weeks later, she revealed in a deeply personal video message that post-surgery tests found cancer. She began preventive chemotherapy in early March, calling the diagnosis a “huge shock” and explaining the couple had taken time to reassure their three children.
Kate completed chemotherapy in September 2024 and announced she was in remission in January 2025. Since then, she has been gradually returning to royal duties while continuing to focus on her recovery.
A ‘Brutal’ Year
William has previously described 2024 as “brutal,” telling reporters during a solo visit to South Africa late last year that it had been “probably the hardest year in my life.”
“It’s been dreadful,” he admitted. “I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father for handling the things they have. But from a personal family point of view, it’s been brutal.”
Now, in his candid chat with Eugene Levy, the future king reflects not just on hardship but on resilience, underscoring how his family is moving forward after a year of unprecedented challenges.