Prince William has given an unusually personal glimpse into his private life with Princess Kate and their children during an episode of The Reluctant Traveler with actor Eugene Levy on Apple TV+.
During their time together at Windsor Castle, the future king discussed his family’s challenges, his wife’s recovery from cancer, and how they balance royal duty with family life.
“The Hardest Year of My Life”
Reflecting on 2024, William described it as “the hardest year I’ve ever had,” as both his wife and father battled cancer. “Trying to balance protecting the children, Catherine, and my father, while keeping up with my duties—it was tricky,” he admitted. “But my family needed space to process everything that happened last year.”
The Prince said Kate’s recovery was “progressing in the right way” and that “everything is good,” but acknowledged how deeply the experience had affected him. “You think it won’t happen to you, but when it does, it can take you to some pretty not-great places,” he said.
Supporting His Children Through Kate’s Illness
William opened up about how their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—have handled their mother’s illness. “Everyone has their own coping mechanisms,” he shared. “We try to give them the security and safety they need. We’re a very open family, so we talk about things that bother us, but you never know the knock-on effects it can have.”
He added proudly, “Life tests us, and being able to overcome it makes us who we are. I’m so proud of my wife and my father for how they’ve handled everything. My children have managed brilliantly too.”
Preparing Prince George for His Future
When asked about Prince George’s future as king, William reflected thoughtfully: “It’s a big question. I want to create a world and a job that he can be proud of—one that truly impacts people’s lives for the better.”
Still, William emphasized that his focus remains on being a husband and father first. “Family is the most important thing in my life,” he said. “If you don’t start your children off with a happy, healthy, stable home, you’re setting them up for a fall.”
Protecting His Family’s Privacy
The Prince of Wales also spoke about the intense media scrutiny that surrounded his parents, King Charles and the late Princess Diana, vowing not to let history repeat itself.
“They were everywhere—people wanted every detail. The damage that can do to family life is something I vowed would never happen to mine,” he said. “Those who overstep the line, I’ll fight against.”
William shared that he and Kate are strict about keeping their children grounded. “None of our children have phones—we’re very strict about that,” he noted, adding that family dinners are always together. “We sit and chat—it’s really important.”
Life at Home: Play, Sports, and Simplicity
William revealed that Louis “is obsessed with the trampoline,” while Charlotte loves netball, ballet, and bouncing alongside her younger brother. “They just end up jumping and beating each other up most of the time,” he laughed. George, meanwhile, is passionate about football and hockey.
As he showed Eugene around Windsor Castle, William reflected on how much he misses his late grandparents.
“I do miss my grandmother and grandfather,” he said softly. “Being here reminds me of her—Windsor was her. She loved it because of the horses and the peace.”
He added, “When I was younger, my relationship with them was more formal, but as they got older and I did too, it became warmer. I think our relationship was at its best when they were in their 80s.”
