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Prince William admitted that 2024 was a “brutal” year for him amid his wife, Princess Kate Middleton, and father King Charles’ cancer battles.
“It’s been dreadful,” William, 42, said about the past year during an interview in Cape Town, South Africa, on Thursday, November 7, according to People. “It’s probably been the hardest year in my life.”
During the personal interview, William also praised both Kate, 42, and Charles, 75, for how they handled their cancer battles.
“But I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done,” he said. “But from a personal family point of view, it’s been, yeah, it’s been brutal.”
After he said that Kate was “doing well,” William reacted to being told that he looked relaxed. “I couldn’t be less relaxed this year, so it’s very interesting you’re all seeing that,” he said.
“But it’s more a case of just crack on and you’ve got to keep going,” he continued. “I enjoy my work and I enjoy pacing myself and keeping sure that I have got time for my family, too.”
William also opened up about his role as Prince of Wales, which he took on in 2022 following the death of grandmother Queen Elizabeth. “Trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult,” he admitted.
Kate stepped out of the spotlight following a “planned abdominal surgery” in January, and she later revealed she was diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer in March.
Six months later, Kate announced that she had successfully completed her chemotherapy treatment. “As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” Kate said in a video shared on September 9. “Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown. The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.”
Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Charles was diagnosed with cancer in February. Days later, Charles broke his silence regarding the diagnosis while issuing a statement on the royal family’s Instagram account.
“I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days,” he said. “As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.”
He added that it was “equally heartening to hear how sharing [his] own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organizations which support cancer patients and their families across the UK and wider world.”
“My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience,” he statement concluded.
Charles returned to his royal duties in April, though a source exclusively told In Touch that the transition hadn’t been easy for him.
“He’s making public appearances, but they’re for shorter periods of time,” the insider shared at the time. “He’s often whisked in by helicopter and then whisked out. After an engagement, he needs a good rest. The palace is giving the impression that Charles is on the mend, but he’s still very sick. Still, he’s the king and palace officials are practical enough to know death is a possibility.”
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