Why Prince William Says 2024 Was the “Hardest Year” He’s Ever Had

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Prince William and his family were royally tested last year.

In 2024, Prince William spoke about the difficult year the royal family experienced, as both his wife, Kate Middleton, and his father, King Charles III, were diagnosed with cancer.

In a preview for the new season of his Apple TV+ show, *The Reluctant Traveler*, William tells Eugene Levy that 2024 was the most challenging year of his life. He adds that difficult times help us grow and shape who we become.

The 43-year-old, father to Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, spoke about how tiring it was to balance raising three young children with his royal responsibilities, all while supporting his wife and father through their cancer battles.

When Eugene asked what he did at home, he replied, “Sleep. With three young children, getting enough rest is a big priority.”

Although Kate announced she was cancer-free in January, recovering has been challenging for the Princess of Wales and her family.

She described how people often try to appear strong and resilient while undergoing treatment. Once treatment is finished, there’s an expectation to simply return to life as it was, but she emphasized that the period *after* treatment is actually very challenging.

Just over a month after her father-in-law announced his diagnosis in February 2024, the 43-year-old shared her own. She emphasized how important it is to have extra support now that she’s returning to public life, describing the experience as truly transformative.

She explained that now that cancer treatment has ended, patients are no longer closely monitored by the medical team, but they also struggle to readjust to everyday life at home. Having someone to support and guide them through this transition is incredibly helpful.

Kate explained that adjusting to a new life takes time and isn’t easy. It’s full of ups and downs, and everyone experiences difficult periods along the way.

Keep reading for more news about the royal family from this year…

In September 2025, Sarah, Duchess of York, stepped down as a patron of Julia’s House after an old email from 2011 surfaced. The email revealed she referred to Jeffrey Epstein as a friend.

After details of the Duchess of York’s communication with Jeffrey Epstein became public this weekend, Julia’s House has decided it’s no longer appropriate for her to continue her role as a patron of the charity. The charity has informed the Duchess of this decision and expressed gratitude for her previous contributions, according to The Guardian.

A representative for Ferguson stated the email was sent following a threat made by Epstein.

After a 19-month absence, Prince Harry was spotted arriving at Clarence House-the King’s home in London-likely to visit his father before attending another event in the city.

Harry arrived at the house around 5:20 p.m. on September 10th, but Charles had come back just a few hours earlier.

Princess Anne’s son and his former husband, Mark Phillips, announced their engagement to Harriet Sperling on August 1st. The couple had been dating for over a year.

The couple’s representative told Hello! magazine that both families were told together and were very happy about the engagement.

Just a day before turning 78, the royal was made an honorary Vice Admiral by the Royal Navy.

Camilla is the first woman to receive this honorary title. It’s awarded solely at the discretion of the monarch – in this instance, her husband, King Charles III – based on a recommendation from the First Sea Lord, currently Sir Gwyn Jenkins.

Just hours before she was scheduled to attend, Princess Catherine cancelled her appearance at Royal Ascot, the annual horse race. Kensington Palace confirmed the news to NBC News.

The palace said Kate was sad to miss the event, but she’s still working out how to best manage her public appearances as she recovers from cancer.

Prince Harry’s lawsuit seeking extra security ended on May 2nd when the courts rejected his claim. This followed a previous decision over a year ago where the High Court, through the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, had already denied his request for increased protection.

After Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stopped being full-time working royals in 2021 and moved to the U.S., their security arrangements were reduced. However, Harry continued to request security protection during his trips back to the U.K. in the following years.

Prince Harry told the BBC on May 2nd that he was deeply upset by the outcome of his recent legal fight. He added that, as things stand, he doesn’t foresee returning to the UK with his wife and children.

Oh my gosh, did you hear what Prince Harry said? He was on the BBC, and he revealed that his dad, King Charles, isn’t even *talking* to him right now! Apparently, it’s all about security concerns, which is just… heartbreaking. But he did say he *wants* to make things right, he said it would be ‘nice to reconcile’! I’m seriously hoping they can work it out, they’re family! It just kills me to think of them being estranged.

Prince Harry expressed his desire to rebuild his relationship with his family, including his father, but indicated the decision to move forward rests with his dad.

He doesn’t foresee returning to the U.K. with his family anytime soon. He expressed sadness that his children won’t have the chance to experience his home country with him.

Harry explained that his father has significant influence and could potentially solve the situation. He suggested this wouldn’t require direct involvement, but rather allowing professionals to handle things without interference.

After years of fighting, he’s now seeking peace and a way to make amends. He explained, “Life is too short, and I don’t know how much time my father has left.”

More than a year after revealing his cancer diagnosis, King Charles wrote on April 29th that going through treatment has highlighted the kindness and goodness in people.

In a booklet offering support to cancer patients, Charles wrote that a diagnosis is understandably a scary and overwhelming time for individuals and their families. However, speaking from personal experience, he also believes it can reveal the incredible kindness and strength people are capable of.

He expressed his gratitude to the healthcare workers who cared for him, and shared that the experience deepened his respect for the incredible work done by the organizations and people present, many of whom he’s known and supported for years.

Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis – were absent from the royal family’s traditional Easter service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor on April 20th.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla joined the rest of the royal family in celebrations, but Prince William and Kate chose to spend the weekend at their country home in Norfolk with their children, according to several news sources.

This was the second Easter the couple missed, happening just a week after Princess Catherine revealed she was undergoing cancer treatment.

On April 15th, Jason Knauf was named the new CEO of The Earthshot Prize, Prince William’s environmental initiative. In a statement on the organization’s website, Knauf expressed his excitement about collaborating with the team and community to further their optimistic approach to tackling planetary challenges.

He was promoted almost seven years after he reported concerns about Meghan Markle’s behavior, claiming she bullied two assistants and tried to discredit another staff member. Representatives for the Sussexes rejected these claims, telling *The Times* that the story was a deliberate attempt to damage their reputation with false information.

Buckingham Palace looked into the claims, but the investigation concluded in 2022 with no public announcement of its results.

William and Kate’s eldest son George attended a soccer match in Paris alongside his dad April 7. 

A father and son were visibly happy while watching the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa at Parc des Princes stadium.

Graham Craker, a former bodyguard to Prince Harry and Prince William, passed away in April at the age of 77.

I remember so vividly when the news broke about Princess Diana’s tragic passing. It was a heartbreaking time for everyone, and especially for William and Harry. Their beloved golden retriever, Craker, was right there with them, offering comfort as they processed the news and, incredibly, he was also present during the funeral services. It just shows how animals can be such a source of support during even the most difficult moments.

As a professional who’s often involved in sensitive events, I remember one instance vividly. I was assisting with the arrangements when Prince William glanced back at me from the car. We shared a simple nod – a silent acknowledgment. It was clear he found comfort knowing his mother was accompanied on her final journey, and that I was there to support her and the family.

I was so delighted to hear the wonderful news! Hugh Grosvenor, who’s actually King Charles’s godson, and his wife, Olivia, are expecting their first child. It’s such a happy time for them, and I’m sure they’re thrilled!

A spokesperson announced to The Telegraph that the duchess is pregnant and expecting a baby this summer. The couple expressed their joy and excitement about starting a family.

Prince Frederik, the son of Prince Robert and Princess Julie, passed away on March 1st at the age of 22 after a struggle with a rare genetic condition called PolG mitochondrial disease.

Robert shared in a statement that his son, Frederik, is a superhero not just to their family and friends, but to countless people worldwide, especially through his PolG Foundation. Robert believes Frederik’s strength lies in his ability to inspire others and lead by setting a positive example.

 

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, reached a legal settlement with News Group Newspapers – the company that publishes *The Sun* and formerly published *News of the World* – on January 22nd. He had sued the organization in 2019, claiming that journalists and investigators working for its newspapers illegally obtained information about the royal family.

According to NBC News, the settlement involved the company paying a significant amount in damages and offering a complete and sincere apology to Prince Harry. They also publicly acknowledged the widespread and harmful media coverage that invaded both his privacy and the privacy of his mother, Princess Diana.

On January 14th, The Princess of Wales shared the wonderful news that her cancer treatment has been successful and she is now in remission.

She shared on X (formerly Twitter) on January 14th that she’s relieved to be in remission and is continuing to focus on getting better. She added that, like anyone facing a cancer diagnosis, it’s taking time to adjust to life afterward.

She added that she was excited about the year ahead and optimistic about what it would bring.

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, is grieving the loss of her rescue beagle, a dog she adopted back in 2015, before she met Prince Harry.

Okay, so she posted on Instagram, and honestly, it *wrecked* me. She said she’s been crying so much, like, a never-ending stream of tears. She described it perfectly – those tears where you just stand under the shower, hoping the water can somehow wash away the pain, or at least *hide* it. But she admitted they’re still there, and she’s…okay with that? It’s just…so raw and real, and I feel like she’s speaking directly to my soul. It’s beautiful and heartbreaking all at once.

Meghan lovingly remembered her dog, Guy, saying, ‘Thank you for all the years of unwavering love. You brought so much joy to my life.’

 

Edward Pettifer, the stepson of Prince William and Prince Harry’s former nanny, Tiggy Legge-Bourke (also known as Alexandra Pettifer), was a victim of the terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.

Prince William and Catherine were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Ed Pettifer. In a message shared on Kate Middleton’s Instagram on January 4th, Prince William said their thoughts are with the Pettifer family and everyone affected by this terrible tragedy.

Meghan Markle, known for her role in the TV show *Suits*, launched a new Instagram account on January 1st. She had previously closed her personal social media accounts right before marrying Prince Harry in 2018.

The next day, she revealed a new Netflix series called *With Love, Meghan*. A press release described it as a fresh take on lifestyle shows, combining helpful tips and honest chats with both familiar and new friends.

In June 2025, Prince William and Kate Middleton made a special appearance at Wimbledon with their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

The family shared on Instagram how happy they were to be back at Wimbledon for the Championships finals this weekend. They congratulated Iga Świątek and Jannik Sinner on their victories and thanked everyone who helped make the tournament such a success.

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2025-09-26 18:23