Prince William has described the past year as “brutal” following cancer diagnoses for both his wife, Kate, and his father, King Charles III. In an emotional admission, he shared, “Honestly, it’s been dreadful,” reflecting on the personal toll these challenges have had on his family.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday as he wrapped up a four-day trip to South Africa, the Prince of Wales explained that 2024 has been “probably the hardest year of my life.” His comments, which marked the first time he had publicly discussed his feelings in detail, shed light on the immense emotional and mental strain he has faced. “Trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult,” he said, indicating the difficult balancing act of family challenges with public responsibilities.
William spoke with pride about how his wife, Kate, and father, King Charles, have handled their health battles. “I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done,” he expressed. Despite his sense of pride, he was candid about the personal hardship these health battles have caused. “But from a personal family point of view, it’s been, yeah, it’s been brutal,” he added, emphasizing the emotional weight his family has carried in the past year.
King Charles III was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February 2024, leading him to step away from his royal duties for two months to focus on his treatment and recovery. The news of the king’s diagnosis was kept private at first, with few details shared publicly. During his time away, the monarch was supported by his family, including Prince William, as he underwent treatment.
In a parallel development, Kate, the Princess of Wales, was also diagnosed with cancer shortly after her father-in-law’s diagnosis. She publicly shared her news a few weeks later, revealing her battle with the illness and the impact it had on her and her family. Kate has since completed a course of chemotherapy and has begun returning to public duties, albeit slowly, as she continues to recover. In a video released in September, Kate described the experience as “incredibly tough for us as a family,” offering a glimpse into the emotional and physical toll of her treatment.
Despite the personal hardships, the royal family has demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength, with both King Charles and Kate showing immense courage throughout their respective battles. Prince William’s comments in South Africa offered an intimate reflection on the year’s challenges, illustrating the difficult journey his family has faced together. His words resonated with many as a reminder of the emotional difficulties that often go unnoticed behind the public lives of public figures.