In an unusually candid interview, Prince William shared a rare and emotional look inside palace life, describing how King Charles’ cancer diagnosis was “brutal” and “dreadful,” taking him to “some pretty not great places.”

The royal family has endured countless public storms, but few have been as devastating as the twin cancer diagnoses that struck just weeks apart in early 2024.

King Charles’ Cancer Diagnosis

In February 2024, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III had been diagnosed with cancer. The illness was discovered soon after treatment for an enlarged prostate, though the palace clarified it was not prostate cancer and declined to specify the exact type.

The 76-year-old monarch immediately began treatment, which continued into 2025, including a hospital stay in March due to side effects. Despite the ongoing therapy, King Charles has remained committed to his duties whenever possible, determined to maintain a sense of normalcy amid uncertainty.

Princess Kate’s Health Battle

Just a month later, the royal family was struck again when Princess Kate revealed she had also been diagnosed with cancer. The news came after major abdominal surgery she underwent in January 2024.

In a heartfelt video message, the Princess of Wales spoke of the “incredibly tough” months that followed as the family adjusted to two life-altering diagnoses. By January 2025, Kate announced she was in remission and slowly returning to public life, while expressing gratitude for the public’s support.

‘The Hardest Year I’ve Ever Had’

Speaking with Canadian actor Eugene Levy during The Reluctant Traveler, the 43-year-old Prince of Wales opened up about the immense emotional strain of 2024.

“I’d say 2024 was the hardest year that I’ve ever had,” he admitted. “Trying to sort of balance protecting the children, Catherine, my father needs a bit of protection… 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.”

He added, “That was tricky—trying to do that and keep doing the job. But you know, we all have challenges that come our way, and it’s important to keep going.”

‘Takes You to Some Not Great Places’

Prince William also reflected on the shock of realizing how quickly life can change, saying, “You suddenly realize that the rug, the metaphorical rug, can be pulled from under your feet quite quickly. You maybe think, ‘It won’t happen to us, we’ll be okay.’ But when it does happen, it takes you into some pretty not great places.”

The Countdown to COP30 in Brazil has begun, and it started this evening at The Natural History Museum!

The event brought together climate and nature leaders, along with innovative UK-led solutions to nature’s biggest challenges. Tackling biodiversity loss and climate change is… pic.twitter.com/zIKXRlIoYJ

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) October 9, 2025

‘It’s Been Dreadful’

Despite the emotional toll, William praised both his father and wife for their courage. “Life is sent to test us, and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are,” he said. Then, with raw honesty, he admitted, “Honestly? It’s been dreadful… From a personal family point of view, it’s been brutal.”

Moving Forward with Strength

While Princess Catherine’s health has improved, King Charles continues treatment while still fulfilling some royal duties. Recently, father and son made a joint appearance at the Natural History Museum in London for a government-led event ahead of COP30, the UN Climate Change Conference to be held in Brazil in 2025.

In the midst of hardship, William’s words echo the quiet resilience that has long defined the royal family—an enduring strength now being tested like never before.