Prince William has described 2024 as the “hardest year I’ve ever had” after both his father, King Charles, and his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, were diagnosed with cancer.
The Prince of Wales made the remarks during a short preview of upcoming Apple TV+ show The Reluctant Traveller, starring actor Eugene Levy.
In the episode, the Canadian actor and comedian —best known for Schitt’s Creek and American Pie—received a personal invitation to Windsor Castle from Prince William.
The invitation, written on Kensington Palace stationery and dated January 2025, read: “Dear Eugene, I heard that your travels have brought you to the UK and I wondered if you might like to see Windsor Castle? If you’re free at 10 tomorrow, why don’t you pop down to the castle for a private tour. Would be great to see you!”
Speaking to Levy over a pint in a pub, William opened up on the emotional toll the last year had taken.
“I’d say 2024 was the hardest year I’ve ever had,” he said.
“Life is sent to test us as well, being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are”.
In February 2024, King Charles III announced he had been diagnosed with cancer and began outpatient treatment.
Just weeks later, in March, Princess Catherine revealed in a video message that she too was undergoing treatment for cancer following major abdominal surgery.
She described the experience as “incredibly tough for us as a family” and later shared that she had completed chemotherapy by September 2024 and was in remission by January 2025.
William, who shares three children—Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7—with Catherine, also joked about the demands of parenthood.
During the clip, Levy also asked William what he does when he is home.
“Sleep. When you’ve got three small children, sleep is an important part of my life,” he joked.
The Reluctant Traveller With Eugene Levy: Living the Royal Life in the UK was set to release on October 3.
