Prince William's heartbreaking confession in new TV appearance after Kate Middleton's cancer ordeal
The future king appears in the new episode of The Reluctant TravelerPrince William has opened up about how tough 2024 was as his wife, Princess Kate, and his father, King Charles, were both diagnosed with cancer.
The Prince of Wales, 43, will appear on the next episode of Apple TV+’s The Reluctant Traveler on October 3. The episode will see host Eugene Levy travel to the UK where he’ll visit Windsor Castle.
Schitts Creek star Eugene, 78, is given a tour of the castle by Prince William after receiving a letter from the future king to head to the estate.
Prince William’s heartbreaking confession on The Reluctant Traveler
In a preview for episode four, Prince William tells Eugene of the tour: “We provide this service for everyone. We do personalised tours everywhere.”
They then walk around the sprawling estate.
Eugene asks the future king: “What do you do when you’re at home?”
William quips: “Sleep! When you have three small children, sleep is an important part of my life.”
The clip then cuts to William and Eugene sitting in a local pub, enjoying a pint. That’s when the Prince of Wales opens up about 2024.
He says: “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.”
‘When it does happen to you, then it takes you into some pretty not great places’
William went on to detail just how much the health struggles his father and wife have faced has impacted him. And he also shared his gratitude for the longevity and lack of illness his family has enjoyed.
He says: “We’ve been very lucky; we hadn’t had many illnesses in the family for a very long time. My grandparents lived until they were in the high nineties.”
“They were the vision of fitness, and stoicism, and resilience, if you like. So we’ve been very lucky as a family,” Prince William explains. “But I think, when you suddenly realise that the rug, if you were, the metaphorical rug, can be pulled from under your feet quite quick at any point.”
“You maybe think to yourself, ‘It won’t happen to us, we’ll be okay.’ Because I think everyone has a positive outlook, you’ve got to be positive,” he adds. “But when it does happen to you, then it takes you into some pretty not great places.”
King Charles and Princess Kate’s cancer battles
In January 2024, both the king and the Princess of Wales underwent procedures. King Charles, 76, had his treatment for an enlarged prostate.
Meanwhile, Kate underwent “planned abdominal surgery”.
I’d say 2024 was the hardest year I’ve ever had.
At the start of February 2024, Buckingham Palace announced King Charles’ cancer diagnosis. At the time, a statement said: “During the king’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.
“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.”
The king has since returned to duties and continues to undergo his treatment.
In March 2024, Kate appeared in a personal message as she shared her cancer diagnosis.
‘This came as a huge shock’
In the message, the princess said: “Tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventive chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.
“This of course came as a huge shock. And William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”
She added at the time: “It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them. And to reassure them that I am going to be okay.”
In September 2024, Kate announced she had completed her chemotherapy treatment. Then, in January 2025, the Princess of Wales shared that she was in remission.
This year has seen her slowly return to full-time royal duties whilst still focusing on her health.
William admits 2024 was ‘brutal’ year
In late 2024, during a solo trip to South Africa, Prince William reflected on the “brutal” year his family had had.
He told reporters: “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.
Read more: Prince William and Kate Middleton’s touching bracelets explained during Southport visit
“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.”
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