Prince William has given a rare and deeply personal update on his father King Charles’ battle with cancer, one year after the monarch’s diagnosis.
While both King Charles and Kate Middleton have spoken publicly about their respective cancer journeys, the Prince of Wales has largely stayed quiet — until now.
Reflecting on what he described as an “incredibly tough” year, William opened up during a candid conversation with actor Eugene Levy on Apple TV+’s The Reluctant Traveler.
“Life is sent to test us, and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are,” he said. “Honestly? It’s been dreadful. From a personal family point of view, it’s been brutal.”
The 43-year-old royal spoke about the emotional toll of seeing both his wife and father undergo treatment in the same year, while still being a hands-on father to George, Charlotte, and Louis.
Balancing royal duties with private heartbreak, William praised Kate and the King for their strength and resilience, describing their courage as “remarkable.”
King Charles, 76, revealed earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with cancer following a routine hospital procedure. Though the exact type of cancer has not been disclosed, the King continues to receive outpatient treatment and has gradually resumed public duties.
Speaking at a recent engagement, His Majesty said he was “not doing too bad,” adding, “Half the problem is detecting it in time. The great thing, I think, is they’re getting better and better.”
A palace source previously told The Times that the King’s decision to withhold details of his diagnosis was deliberate: “The King’s choice not to reveal the type of cancer was a conscious decision to be able to reach out to the widest number of people who are experiencing the disease, rather than narrow the focus onto a particular form.”
While Kate is now in remission and slowly returning to royal duties, the Wales family continues to navigate the long road of recovery together.
For Prince William, the past year has been one of reflection, resilience, and quiet determination — a reminder that even within the walls of royalty, no family is immune to life’s hardest tests.
