In a deeply personal interview, Prince William offered a rare glimpse behind palace walls, revealing that King Charles’ cancer diagnosis was “brutal” and “dreadful,” leading him to “some pretty not great places.”
The royal family has weathered more than its fair share of public scrutiny – but few moments have rocked it quite like the two devastating cancer diagnoses just weeks apart.
The first blow came in February 2024, when Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III had been diagnosed with cancer – a discovery made shortly after undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate. While palace officials clarified it was not prostate cancer, the exact type of cancer remains undisclosed.
The 76-year-old monarch began immediate treatment, which continued into 2025, including a hospital stay in March due to side effects from the therapy.
Despite the secrecy surrounding his condition, the king has maintained a public presence –when possible – determined to carry out his duties amid an ongoing health battle.
Princess Kate also diagnosed with cancer
Then, in March 2024, the royal family was shaken once again. Princess Kate – Williams’ wife – revealed in an emotional video message that she, too, had been diagnosed with cancer. Her diagnosis followed major abdominal surgery she underwent in January.
In an Instagram message to her followers, the princess – who has been in remission since Jan. 2025 – described the past few months as “incredibly tough,” as the family came to terms with the back-to-back medical battles.
‘Hardest year that I’ve ever had’
Speaking to Canada’s Eugene Levy during the filming of The Reluctant Traveler, the Prince of Wales reflected on what it’s been like to have both his wife and father facing life-threatening illnesses at the same time, People reports.
“I’d say 2024 was the hardest year that I’ve ever had,” the 43-year-old prince told Levy.
“Trying to sort of balance protecting the children, Catherine, my father needs a bit of protection, but he’s, you know, he’s old enough to do that himself as well. But it’s important my family feel protected and have the space to process a lot of the stuff that’s gone on last year, and that was tricky trying to do that and keep doing the job.
“But you know, we all have challenges that come our way, and it’s important to keep going,” he continued.
Takes you to some ‘not great places’
But the events of 2024 brought a harsh reality into focus, as Prince William revealed the emotional shock of watching both his father and wife battle cancer at the same time – describing it as having the “rug” pulled out from under you.
“You suddenly realize that the rug, if you will, the metaphorical rug can be pulled from under your feet quite quickly at any point. You maybe think to yourself ‘It won’t happen to us, we’ll be okay,’” William said.
“But when it does happen to you, then it takes you into some pretty not great places.”
‘It’s been dreadful’
Despite the turmoil, William praised both King Charles and Princess Catherine for their strength and resilience through their cancer journeys. He acknowledged how hard it’s been for everyone involved yet remained hopeful.
“Life is sent to test us and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are.”
Then he added, “Honestly? It’s been dreadful…From a personal family point of view, it’s been brutal.”
Charles continues treatment while serving duties
While Catherine’s cancer is now in remission, King Charles continues to receive treatment for his illness, all the while committing to some of his public facing duties.
Days after The Reluctant Traveler episode was released, the king and his son – both lifelong environmental advocates – made a rare joint appearance at the Natural History Museum in London. People reports that the Oct. 9 event was part of a UK government-led evening ahead of COP30, the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference set to take place in Belém, Brazil, in 2025.
Even in grief and exhaustion, William’s words reveal resilience: a royal trait passed down through generations – and now tested like never before.
Before you share this story, please let us know what you think of his candid conversation with Eugene Levy on The Reluctant Traveler!
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