Why Prince William Called 2024 The ‘Hardest Year’ Of His Life

The Prince of Wales, Prince William, has opened up about how challenging the previous year was for him.

2024 was the year his wife, Kate Middleton, was diagnosed with cancer, and although she later became cancer-free, the months in between were really difficult, as the heir apparent was also dealing with his father, King Charles‘ cancer diagnosis.

Prince William and Kate Middleton have since returned to attending royal events together after the princess previously took a break from the public eye due to her illness.

Speaking candidly during a sit-down with Eugene Levy for his Apple TV+ series, “The Reluctant Traveler,” Prince William reflected on how dealing with the overlapping health crises in the royal family tested him deeply.

“I’d say ’23-’24 was the hardest year I’ve ever had,” William told Levy, per the New York Post. “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 world learned that William’s wife, Kate Middleton, had been diagnosed with cancer, which was discovered during an abdominal surgery.

Because the illness required chemotherapy, she was forced to take a major step back from public appearances and royal duties, leaving William to serve as the public face for them both for a time.

The situation was further exacerbated by the fact that King Charles had also been diagnosed with cancer the previous month, which meant William had to take on additional responsibilities normally handled by his father.

This remains the case, as although Kate has since announced she is in remission, the king continues to undergo treatment.

William’s remarks echoed the same feelings he shared in November 2024 when he talked about dealing with the overlapping health crises in the royal family,

“It’s been dreadful. It’s probably been the hardest year in my life,” the prince told reporters following his appearance at the Earthshot Prize Ceremony in South Africa.

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

At the time, the senior royal expressed how proud he was of his wife and his father for how well they dealt with the shocking ailments.

“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.”

Since confirming she was cancer-free in January, Kate and William have resumed making regular public appearances together.

Most recently, the pair met with classmates of children killed during a Taylor Swift–themed dance class in 2024. The victims were Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice DaSilva Aguiar, 9, all of whom were stabbed to death by a UK teen.

The couple also attended a state banquet for US President Donald Trump, where the Princess of Wales drew praise from the billionaire mogul.

Both William and Kate appeared to be in high spirits at the event, which brought together over 100 dignitaries from around the world.

Later this year, William and Kate will relocate to a new home after spending the past three years at Adelaide Cottage, as reported by The Blast.

Their new residence is expected to serve them far longer than Adelaide Cottage, with sources suggesting the couple plans to remain there even after William eventually ascends the throne.