Prince William Describes Past Year as ‘Hardest in My Life’ Amid Royal Family Health Struggles

Prince William has opened up about the immense challenges he has faced over the past year, describing it as “probably the hardest year in my life.” This candid admission came during a week-long tour of Cape Town, where he was attending the Earthshot Prize awards. The Prince of Wales spoke about the personal impact of his father, King Charles, and his wife, Kate, being diagnosed with cancer, stating that the year has been “dreadful” and “brutal”.

William expressed his pride in both his father and wife for their resilience in the face of their health struggles. He acknowledged the additional pressure he has faced, particularly in his new role as heir to the throne, as both the King and the Princess of Wales have had to take time away from public duties. Despite these challenges, William emphasized his commitment to his family and his royal responsibilities, noting that he has had to “crack on” and ensure he has the right balance of time for his family.

The Prince also discussed his passion for the Earthshot Prize, an initiative he founded to address global environmental issues. He expressed frustration over the slow response from some businesses and governments to his call to action but remained optimistic about the project’s future. William described feeling “quite emotional” during the awards ceremony, highlighting the significance of the project to him.

In a lighter moment, William addressed the recent appearance of his beard, which had briefly disappeared after his daughter, Princess Charlotte, burst into tears upon seeing it. He has since grown the beard back and appeared relaxed and in his element during the interview.

Overall, Prince William’s remarks provide a rare glimpse into the personal struggles and professional commitments of the royal family, underscoring the complexities of their public and private lives.