In a rare and personal interview, Prince William opened up about the impact of King Charles’ cancer diagnosis, calling it “brutal” and “dreadful,” and admitting it led him to “some pretty not great places.”
The royal family faced a particularly difficult year in 2024, rocked by two cancer diagnoses just weeks apart. In February, Buckingham Palace revealed King Charles III had cancer, discovered after treatment for an enlarged prostate. Though not prostate cancer, the type remains undisclosed. The 76-year-old monarch began treatment immediately and has continued balancing public duties with his health battle into 2025.
Then, in March, Princess Kate announced her own cancer diagnosis following major abdominal surgery in January. She has been in remission since early 2025 but described the period as “incredibly tough.”
Speaking to Eugene Levy on The Reluctant Traveler, William reflected: “2024 was the hardest year I’ve ever had,” trying to support both his wife and father while protecting his children and maintaining royal duties.
He described the emotional shock as feeling like “the rug” had been pulled out, saying, “You think it won’t happen to you… then it takes you to some pretty not great places.”
Despite the pain, William praised both his wife and father’s strength, adding, “It’s been dreadful… From a personal family point of view, it’s been brutal.”
While Kate is now in remission, Charles continues treatment but remains active in his royal role. The father and son made a joint appearance at London’s Natural History Museum on Oct. 9, ahead of the COP30 climate conference in Brazil.