The year 2024 was – in the words of the late Queen Elizabeth II – an “annus horribilis” for many members of the royal family. Prince William has previously admitted that dealing with the shock cancer diagnoses given to his wife, Catherine, the Princess of Wales and his father, King Charles, made it a “brutal” year for him.
Now he’s spoken out about how the challenges of last year, as tough as they were, have helped shape him and his family. In a candid and emotional appearance on a TV travel show hosted by Schitt’s Creek actor Eugene Levy, William, 43, opened up about the anguish of coping with loved ones having a potentially fatal disease and finding the strength to get through the trauma.
Prince William’s hardest year
“I’d say 2024 was the hardest year I’ve ever had,” says William in The Reluctant Traveller with Eugene Levy: Living the Royal Life in the UK.
“You know, life is sent to test us as well and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are.”
William’s revelations came as he sat down with the star in a pub close to Windsor Castle. They echo what he said in an interview at the end of last year.
“It’s been dreadful,” he admitted when asked about how 2024 was.
“I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things they have done. But from a personal family point of view, it’s been brutal.”
Facing family challenges
William’s decision to again discuss the impact cancer has had on his wife and father proves how important he thinks it is to be transparent, says royal correspondent Rebecca Russell.
“It’s brave for a royal to talk so openly over a pint while the cameras are rolling,” she says.
“His words never come across as moaning, fishing for sympathy or complaining from an ivory tower, but as a modern, grounded approach that continues to endear him to the public. “Like many of us, William’s juggling a lot – husband, doting dad, protector when times are tough as they were last year, caring son and future king. Not to mention his official duties, his various charities and campaigns. “To have a future monarch so open and dutiful speak about his experiences in such an honest way is refreshing.”
Lighthearted moments amid the struggle
There are lighter moments in the show, including William giving Eugene, 78, a guided tour around the castle and joking,
“We provide this service for everyone. We do personalised tours everywhere.”
Taking Eugene out of his comfort zone
When Eugene explained that the show was about taking him out of his comfort zone to tick off a range of activities, William asked, “Was getting drunk with Prince William on your bucket list?”
Eugene replied, “That’s the bucket.”
The Canadian actor also quizzed William about what he does when he’s at home. He currently lives at Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor estate, but soon to be the much larger Forest Lodge.
“Sleep!” says William.
“When you have three small children, sleep’s an important part of my life.”
A new forever home for the family
William and Kate are due to move to Forest Lodge with Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, later this year, and palace insiders say it’s expected to be their “forever home”.
Sources say, “William’s creating a haven for his children, where they can put down roots long-term and enjoy being a normal family.”
The eight-bedroom mansion, built in 1770, is undergoing renovations that will preserve its Georgian heritage but modernise it for the busy family. The house will give the Wales’ more space both indoors and out, as well as providing a fresh start after a tumultuous 2024.
It’s a place for the family to create new, happy memories. This fresh start comes after the distressing time at Adelaide Cottage, where Kate faced her cancer diagnosis and underwent chemotherapy.
Creating space for normalcy and privacy
To give the family more privacy, a large swathe of land around the house, situated in Windsor Great Park, is being closed to the public. Large fences are being erected and trespassers risk arrest. Also permanently closed is a gate into the park and car park popular with people taking their dogs for a walk.
That has upset some locals but, as one put it, “It’s disappointing, but I completely understand the safety of William, Kate and their family is paramount, so we should make sure they can live happily here.”
