Camilla Jessen
In a deeply personal interview, Prince William offered a rare glimpse behind palace walls.
In one of his most candid interviews to date, Prince William has described his father King Charles III’s cancer battle as “brutal” and “dreadful.”
He admitted that the past year has taken a severe emotional toll on the royal family.
“It’s been dreadful”
Speaking to Eugene Levy for The Reluctant Traveler, the 43-year-old heir to the throne revealed that 2024 was “the hardest year” of his life, as both his father and wife, Princess Catherine, faced cancer diagnoses just weeks apart.
“Honestly? It’s been dreadful,” William said, as cited by People. “From a personal family point of view, it’s been brutal.”
King Charles’ diagnosis
Buckingham Palace first announced King Charles’ diagnosis in February 2024, following a procedure for an enlarged prostate.
Officials clarified the cancer was not prostate-related, but have not disclosed the specific type.
The 76-year-old monarch began immediate treatment, including a hospital stay in March due to side effects. Despite his ongoing health battle, the King has continued to carry out limited public duties whenever possible.
Princess Kate’s own battle with cancer
Just one month later, in March 2024, the royal family faced another devastating blow.
Princess Kate revealed that she, too, had been diagnosed with cancer after undergoing major abdominal surgery in January.
“Protecting a sense of normality”
In an emotional video message, she described the experience as “incredibly tough,” thanking the public for their kindness.
The Princess of Wales — who has since entered remission as of January 2025 — wrote on Instagram that her focus had been on her recovery and protecting her children’s sense of normalcy.
“The hardest year I’ve ever had”
Reflecting on those months, Prince William admitted the strain of trying to balance his royal duties with caring for his family.
“Trying to sort of balance protecting the children, Catherine, my father… it was tricky trying to do that and keep doing the job,” he said.
“But it’s important my family feel protected and have the space to process a lot of the stuff that’s gone on last year.”
“It takes you into some pretty not great places”
He added that the experience forced him to confront how fragile life can be:
“You suddenly realize that the rug — the metaphorical rug — can be pulled from under your feet quite quickly. You maybe think to yourself, ‘It won’t happen to us, we’ll be okay.’ But when it does, it takes you into some pretty not great places.”
Holding on to hope
Despite the challenges, William said he has been inspired by both King Charles and Princess Catherine’s resilience.
“Life is sent to test us,” he said. “Being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are.”
He emphasized that his father continues to approach his duties with “determination and focus,” even while receiving treatment.
Father and son return to public life together
Days after The Reluctant Traveler episode aired, King Charles and Prince William made a rare joint public appearance at London’s Natural History Museum.
The event is part of the U.K. government’s lead-up to COP30.
An insider update
While the palace has offered few updates on the King’s prognosis, royal insiders say Charles remains “optimistic and engaged” in his recovery.
Meanwhile, William and Kate continue to prioritize their family’s privacy, even as they resume select royal engagements.
This article is made and published by Camilla Jessen, which may have used AI in the preparation
