Prince William has opened up about the “hardest year” of his life in a rare and emotional appearance on The Reluctant Traveler. In the upcoming season of the Apple TV show, the Prince of Wales joins Canadian comedian Eugene Levy for a personal tour of Windsor Castle. The trailer, which has been released ahead of the premiere on October 3, showcases the pair’s lighthearted moments as they stroll around the royal estate and share a pint at a local pub.
However, the conversation takes a more poignant turn when William reflects on the challenges his family faced over the past year, particularly in relation to his wife, Princess Kate, and his father, King Charles, both of whom were diagnosed with cancer within weeks of each other. In a candid moment, William admits, “I’d say 2024 was the hardest year I’ve ever had. You know, life is sent to test us as well, and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are.”
The prince’s remarks echo a similar sentiment he shared during a solo trip to South Africa in November 2024, where he spoke about the emotional toll his family had endured. He described the experience as “dreadful” and one of the hardest of his life, while expressing immense pride in both Kate and Charles for their strength and bravery. “It’s probably been the hardest year in my life,” William confessed at the time, adding, “Trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult. But 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 brutal.”
Throughout these personal challenges, Prince William admitted that his royal duties had served as a form of solace. “I couldn’t be less relaxed this year. It’s more a case of just crack on and you’ve got to keep going,” he said, reflecting on the delicate balance between his demanding responsibilities and his role as a family man. Despite the immense pressure, he expressed his commitment to ensuring he had time for his loved ones, even amid the stress.
In the interview, William’s vulnerability shines through as he talks about navigating his family’s health crises while maintaining his public responsibilities. The emotional interview offers an intimate glimpse into the life of the future King, showing not just the burdens of royal duty but the personal toll that such challenges can take.
The Reluctant Traveler show, which also features guests like Canadian singer Michael Bublé and the Levy family, provides a lighthearted backdrop to Prince William’s raw and heartfelt reflections. As the show premieres, viewers will see William in a different light, offering not only a tour of royal history but also an inside look into his personal struggles and triumphs.
Prince William’s openness about the difficulties he and his family have faced over the last year adds a layer of depth to his public persona, reminding us that even those in the highest positions of power are not immune to life’s hardest tests. It’s a poignant reminder of the resilience of the royal family as they continue to navigate their personal and public lives with grace, even in the face of adversity.
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