Prince William says 2024 was the hardest year he's ever faced
William discusses personal trials during Apple TV+ appearance as the royal family faced health scares
Prince William described 2024 as the hardest year he's ever faced during a rare appearance on Apple TV+'s The Reluctant Traveler. In a preview clip released this week, the Prince of Wales accompanied Eugene Levy through Windsor Castle as the two shared light-hearted moments about royal life. The full episode, The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy: Living the Royal Life in the UK, will stream on Apple TV+ starting Oct. 3, with new episodes released weekly through Oct. 31.
During the tour, Levy asked what William does in his spare time. The prince joked that sleep is his preferred pastime, and the two then shared a pint at a local pub. William also acknowledged the personal toll of the year, saying that 2024 was the hardest year he has faced and that life tests people, with overcoming difficulty shaping who they are.
The year was particularly challenging for the royal family. William's wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and his father, King Charles III, were diagnosed with cancer in 2024. Charles disclosed his diagnosis in February after prostate-related surgery, and Catherine announced hers in March; she later said she had finished chemotherapy in September.
A former aide, Jason Knauf, described the toll 2024 took on William, noting that the crisis surrounding health scares and online speculation added to the pressure on the future king.
Apple TV+ released the clip from The Reluctant Traveler and said new episodes will continue to be released weekly through late October. The royal family's public profile remained in focus as they navigated personal challenges and public duties, a backdrop to the episode's release.