Prince William reveals 2024 was the ‘hardest year’ of his life as Kate Middleton battled cancer

Prince William is reflecting on the past year of his life.

The Prince of Wales, 43, sat down with Eugene Levy for his Apple TV+ series, “The Reluctant Traveler.”

A clip from the episode, titled “Living the Royal Life in the UK,” shows William and the “Schitt’s Creek” star, 78, walking the grounds of Windsor Castle.

“We provide this service for everyone,” the royal teased as he shows Levy around. “We do personalized tours everywhere.”

The duo took a stroll alongside William and Kate Middleton’s black cocker spaniel, Orla.

Levy then inquired what the prince does in his free time.

“Sleep,” William stated. “When you have three small children, sleep is an important part of my life.”

The Canadian and Prince William also sat down for a pint at a local pub.

While there, the heir to the throne touched on the past few years, in which both Middleton and his father, King Charles, were diagnosed with cancer.

“I’d say ‘23-’24 was the hardest year I’ve ever had,” William shared. “You know, life is sent to test us and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are.” 

In March 2024, the Princess of Wales, 43, revealed she was being treated for cancer.

While undergoing chemotherapy, the royal, who shares kids Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, with William, kept a low profile.

In Sept. 2024, Kate announced she was cancer-free.

“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” the princess penned at the time. “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. 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.”

In Jan. 2025, the philanthropist got candid about being in remission, calling it “a relief.”

“As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal,” she added. “I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”

In Nov. 2024, while in South Africa, William spoke to reporters following his annual Earthshot Prize Ceremony and revealed: “It’s been dreadful. It’s probably been the hardest year in my life.”

“So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult,” he added.

“But I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done. But from a personal family point of view, it’s been, yeah, it’s been brutal.”

King Charles, 76, meanwhile, was diagnosed with cancer in Feb. 2024 and has continued to undergo treatment.

In April, the king thanked “all those who support cancer patients and their loved ones” in a personal message.

He posted on the royal family’s website that being “among” the “statistics” of those diagnosed with cancer has “reinforced” his view that “the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.”

A few months later, Charles met with fellow cancer patients at the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in England and opened up about his cancer battle.

One patient, Matthew Shinda, inquired how the monarch felt more than a year and a half after his diagnosis.

“I’m not too bad,” King Charles replied, per Hello! magazine.

“The Reluctant Traveler’s” royal episode hits Apple TV+ on Friday, Oct. 3. New episodes will release weekly through Oct. 31.