Prince William’s hardest year: How the royals held together

Prince William is letting the world in on one of the most difficult chapters his family has faced. 

The Prince of Wales, in a special episode of Eugene Levy’s Apple TV+ travel series The Reluctant Traveler shared about royal life, fatherhood, and the hardships of the past two years.

Here is what he shared:

1. A Royal summons for Eugene Levy

The Schitt’s Creek star was taken by surprise when he received a special invitation to Windsor Castle. “We provide this service for everyone,” William joked while leading Levy on a tour of the royal grounds. “We do personalized tours everywhere.”

2. Meet Orla, the family pup

As the pair walked around Windsor, they were joined by Prince William and Princess Kate’s black cocker spaniel, Orla.

The sweet moment showed a softer, family oriented side of the future king.

3. Fatherhood means one thing

When asked about what he does in his downtime, William didn’t hesitate. “Sleep. When you have three small children, sleep is an important part of my life,” he quipped.

4. “The hardest year I’ve ever had”

The Prince of Wales revealed just how heavy the last couple of years have been, with both Princess Kate and King Charles diagnosed with cancer.

“I’d say ‘23-’24 was the hardest year I’ve ever had,” William admitted. “You know, life is sent to test us and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are.”

5. Kate’s brave battle with cancer

In March 2024, Princess Kate went public with her cancer diagnosis. By January 2025, she announced her cancer was in remission after undergoing chemotherapy.

Speaking about her journey, she admitted, “It’s not one smooth plane, which you expect it to be. But the reality is it’s not. You go through hard times.”

6. A brutal yet proud chapter

William didn’t hold back in reflecting on how challenging that year was during his Earthshot Prize visit to South Africa in late 2024.

“It’s been dreadful. It’s probably been the hardest year in my life,” he said. “But 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, yeah, it’s been brutal.”