Prince William says 2024 was the hardest year as Kate Middleton battled cancer, in Apple TV+ interview
Royal heir discusses family trials and resilience during The Reluctant Traveler episode filmed at Windsor
Prince William says 2024 was the hardest year of his life, reflecting on the past year during a conversation with Eugene Levy for Apple TV+'s The Reluctant Traveler. A clip from the episode shows the Prince and Levy walking the grounds of Windsor Castle.
"I’d say '23-'24 was the hardest year I’ve ever had," William shared. "You know, life is sent to test us and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are." He adds that sleep matters when you have three small children. "Sleep. When you have three small children, sleep is an important part of my life." The two also stopped for a pint at a local pub, and the prince spoke about the past few years in which both Kate Middleton and his father, King Charles, were diagnosed with cancer.
March 2024, the Princess of Wales, 43, revealed she was being treated for cancer. While undergoing chemotherapy, the royal kept a low profile.
As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment, the princess wrote. The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.
In January 2025, the philanthropist got candid about being in remission, calling it "a relief." As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal, she added. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.
In November 2024, while in South Africa, William spoke to reporters following his Earthshot Prize Ceremony and revealed: "It’s been dreadful. It’s probably been the hardest year in my life." "So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult," he added. "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, yeah, it’s been brutal."
King Charles, 76, meanwhile, was diagnosed with cancer in Feb. 2024 and has continued to undergo treatment. In April, the king thanked "all those who support cancer patients and their loved ones" in a personal message. He posted on the royal family’s website that being "among" the "statistics" of those diagnosed with cancer has "reinforced" his view that "the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion."
The Reluctant Traveler royal episode hits Apple TV+ on Friday, Oct. 3. New episodes will release weekly through Oct. 31.
Taken together, the year highlighted a public narrative of illness and resilience in the royal family while continuing charitable work, as the streaming series offers a window into life beyond the palace gates.