Prince William has offered a hopeful update on the health of both his wife, the Princess of Wales, and his father, King Charles, after what he admits was the most difficult year of his life.
Both Catherine, 43, and the King, 76, revealed cancer diagnoses in 2024. Speaking to actor Eugene Levy in an episode of Apple TV+’s The Reluctant Traveler, William reflected on how his family has coped through the challenges.
When Levy, 78, asked about their health, the Prince of Wales replied: “Yes, things are good. Everything is progressing in the right way, which is all good news.”
But he admitted that the past year was far from easy: “I’d say 2024 was the hardest year that I’ve ever had. Trying to balance protecting the children, Catherine, and my father… it was tricky trying to do that and keep doing the job.”
William explained that his priority was ensuring his family felt protected and had space to process what was happening away from public pressure.
Kate’s Remission and Family Life
When asked directly about Princess Kate’s remission, which she announced in January, William confirmed: “Yes, she is. Yes.” Calling it “great news,” he acknowledged how important the milestone was for the family.
The heir to the throne also reflected on how their three children — Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7 — have coped with their mother’s illness.
“Everyone has their own coping mechanisms for these sorts of things, and children are constantly learning and adapting,” he said. “We’re a very open family, so we talk about things that bother us, and things that trouble us… it’s just important to be there for each other and reassure the children that everything is okay.”
The King’s Battle
King Charles publicly revealed his cancer diagnosis in February 2024, shortly after undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate. While the exact type of cancer has not been disclosed, he continued treatment throughout 2024 and into 2025, even spending time in hospital due to side effects.
Meanwhile, Princess Catherine shared her own diagnosis in March 2024, following major abdominal surgery earlier that year. After months of chemotherapy and time out of the public eye, she completed treatment in September and announced she was in remission this January.
A Brutal Year
William has previously described the period as “brutal,” telling audiences in South Africa last November: “I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done. But from a personal family point of view, it’s been… yeah, it’s been brutal.”
Despite the hardships, his latest comments carry a rare note of reassurance: both his wife and father, he confirmed, are moving in the right direction.