In a heartfelt moment from the upcoming episode of The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy, Prince William opens up about the difficult period when his family faced multiple cancer diagnoses. The Prince of Wales shared how these challenges tested his family’s strength and resilience, including his father, King Charles III, and his wife, Kate Middleton.
What Happened
Prince William, in a preview for the new episode of The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy on Apple TV+, spoke candidly about the toll that cancer diagnoses have had on his family in recent years. He described how his family, particularly his grandparents, had lived long lives marked by fitness and resilience, and how their health challenges served as a reminder that illness could strike unexpectedly.
In the clip, Prince William shared, “We’ve been very lucky. We hadn’t had many illnesses in the family for a very long time. My grandparents lived until they were in their high nineties… they were the vision of fitness, stoicism, and resilience.” However, he explained that when illness did hit his family, it took them to some “pretty not-great places.”
Personal Struggles with Family Health
The Prince’s words came amid a challenging time for his family. In February 2024, Buckingham Palace announced that his father, King Charles III, had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatment. Additionally, the king faced a “separate issue of concern” related to a benign prostate enlargement, which was discovered during a procedure at the London Clinic. He continues to receive treatment.
Soon after, in April 2024, Kate Middleton, Prince William’s wife, revealed her own cancer diagnosis just months after undergoing planned abdominal surgery. Fortunately, earlier this year, the Duchess of Cambridge shared the news that her cancer was in remission.
Kate publicly thanked The Royal Marsden for their care during her treatment and expressed her desire to support groundbreaking research in the field of cancer care. “We couldn’t have asked for more,” she wrote on X. “My hope is that by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer.”
The Hardest Year for the Prince
Reflecting on the difficult period, Prince William shared that the year 2023-2024 was the “hardest year” he had ever experienced. “Life is sent to test us, and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are,” he said in the interview. His words highlighted the resilience that has defined both his family’s public and private lives, despite the immense challenges they have faced.
Public and Social Media Reactions
Following the announcement of the royal family’s health struggles, supporters have rallied behind them, offering heartfelt messages of support and admiration. Prince William’s candor about the difficulties of the past year has resonated deeply with many who empathize with the emotional and physical toll that illness can take on families.
Social media has been flooded with messages of strength for the royal family, with many acknowledging their bravery in the face of hardship.
Official Statements and What Happens Next
As Prince William continues to navigate this personal journey, his openness about his family’s struggles reflects his commitment to being honest with the public while also honoring the privacy of his loved ones. While King Charles III and Kate Middleton remain focused on their recovery, both have been active in supporting cancer research, a cause close to their hearts.
Closing
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
