Prince William on Thursday opened up about the emotional toll of the past year, calling it “probably the hardest” of his life as both his father, King Charles III, and his wife, Kate, the Princess of Wales, faced cancer diagnoses.
Speaking to British media on the final day of his four-day visit to South Africa, where he was hosting the Earthshot Prize, he described the challenge of balancing royal responsibilities with family life during this difficult period.
According to the BBC, When questioned about the past year, William responded: “Honestly? “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.”
His father, King Charles, who received a cancer diagnosis in February, has continued with some duties, including recent visits to Australia and Samoa.
His wife Kate Middlteon, aged 42, received preventative chemotherapy treatments this year, having previously described the period as “incredibly tough” for the family.
William expressed his admiration, stating: “I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done, ” adding that “But from a personal family point of view, it’s been brutal.”
Prince William attended the annual Earthshot Prize ceremony—an environmental award he launched in 2020 to support innovative climate solutions—without Kate, who is continuing her recovery.
Earlier on Wednesday, he shared an update on her condition, saying she was “doing really well.”
William, who has maintained facial hair since the summer, mentioned that his nine-year-old daughter disapproved of his new appearance.
“Well Charlotte didn’t like it the first time,” he said, further adding that, “I got floods of tears, so I had to shave it off. And then I grew it back. I thought, hang on a second, and I convinced her it was going to be okay.”
When the prince was questioned about his role as Prince of Wales he said: “It’s very important with my role and my platform that I’m doing something for good. That I’m helping people’s lives and I’m doing something that is genuinely meaningful.
“I enjoy my work and I enjoy pacing myself and keeping sure that I have got time for my family too,” he added.
The remarks made by the prince bear resemblance to his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II’s notable statement, when she labelled 1992 as her “annus horribilis,” or terrible year, after marital problems faced by three of her children and significant fire damage at Windsor Castle.