Prince William has spoken candidly about how difficult 2024 was for him and his family, calling it the “hardest year” of his life as both Princess Kate and King Charles faced cancer diagnoses.

The Prince of Wales, 43, opens up in the upcoming episode of The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy on Apple TV+, set to air October 3. The episode sees host Eugene Levy, 78, visit Windsor Castle after receiving an invitation from William, who personally gives him a tour of the historic estate.

As the pair walk the castle grounds, William jokes about life at home with three young children, saying sleep is the most valuable luxury. Later, while sharing a pint in a local pub, the conversation turns more serious as William reflects on the year that changed everything.

“I’d say 2024 was the hardest year I’ve ever had,” he admits in the preview clip. “Life is sent to test us. Being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are.”

Family Health Battles

The prince described how the health crises of both his wife and father had shaken him. “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 their nineties. They were the vision of fitness, stoicism, and resilience,” he said.

“But you suddenly realise that the metaphorical rug can be pulled from under your feet at any point. You think to yourself, ‘It won’t happen to us.’ But when it does, it takes you into some pretty not great places.”