Cape Town, South Africa – Prince William recently shared the challenges he faced in what he described as the “hardest year in my life.” The 42-year-old prince opened up during an interview in Cape Town, South Africa about the difficulties he endured after both his wife, Kate Middleton, and his father, King Charles, were diagnosed with cancer in 2024.
Describing the past year as “brutal,” Prince William expressed his pride in how his wife and father handled their health issues. Despite the personal difficulties, he acknowledged the strength and resilience displayed by both Middleton and King Charles throughout their battle with cancer.
In February, Buckingham Palace announced King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatment. Following this news, Middleton shared her own cancer diagnosis in March and began preventative chemotherapy. By September, Middleton confirmed that she was cancer-free after completing her treatment.
During the interview, Prince William provided an update on Middleton’s health, noting that she was “doing well.” Despite the challenges faced, William emphasized the importance of continuing to move forward and staying focused, both in his personal life and in his commitment to his work.
Additionally, Prince William shared insights into his family life, revealing that he enjoys balancing his work commitments with spending quality time with his wife and children. He spoke about his dedication to pacing himself and ensuring that there is time for his family amidst his busy schedule.
Prince William’s interview took place at the conclusion of his trip to Cape Town, where he attended the Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony. Established by the prince in 2020, the Earthshot Prize aims to promote and support climate-friendly businesses that contribute to a sustainable world. During the ceremony, five businesses were awarded $1.2 million in grants for their innovative and eco-friendly solutions.
Reflecting on the Earthshot Prize, Prince William emphasized the importance of championing visionaries and innovators who share a common goal of building a better and more sustainable world. He expressed hope that his children had the opportunity to witness the awards ceremony, which was livestreamed on YouTube.
In a lighter moment during the interview, Prince William shared a charming anecdote about his daughter, Charlotte, and her reaction to his recent experiment with growing a beard. Despite initially disliking his new look, Charlotte eventually came around to the change after some convincing from her father. This lighthearted story provided a glimpse into the personal side of the prince’s life amidst his busy schedule and commitments.
Overall, Prince William’s candid interview shed light on the personal challenges he faced, the importance of family, and his ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability through initiatives like the Earthshot Prize. The prince’s resilience and dedication to both his family and his work were evident throughout the conversation, offering a glimpse into the life of a royal balancing personal struggles with public responsibilities.