Prince William Calls Past Year “the Hardest of My Life” as He Speaks Candidly About Kate’s Cancer Battle
For the first time, the Prince of Wales opens up about the emotional toll of watching both his wife and father fight cancer — and how he’s holding his family together.
The future king of England has spoken with rare vulnerability. During a visit to Cape Town for Earthshot Week, Prince William, 42, revealed that the past year has been nothing short of devastating — a period marked by fear, uncertainty, and the painful reality of watching both his wife and father battle cancer.
In a quiet moment between engagements, William admitted:
“Honestly? It’s been dreadful. It’s probably been the hardest year of my life.
A Year Defined by Illness, Fear, and Resilience
The Princess of Wales underwent major abdominal surgery in January. Weeks later, she bravely shared that doctors had discovered cancer, and she began preventative chemotherapy. At nearly the same time, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III had also been diagnosed with cancer and started treatment.
William, who lost his mother at age 15, suggested that watching Catherine endure chemotherapy was even more emotionally painful:
“Seeing my wife go through this… it’s been brutal.”
Catherine has spoken publicly about her treatment and healing journey, emphasizing hope and gratitude. But until now, William had remained measured and private — focused on protecting their three young children and maintaining stability behind palace walls.
“I Couldn’t Be Less Relaxed This Year”
During the Earthshot Prize ceremony earlier this week, observers commented that William appeared “calm” and “in control.” But he made clear that appearances can be deceiving:
“It’s interesting you say that, because I couldn’t be less relaxed this year. But it’s more a case of just crack on — you’ve got to keep going.”
He added that despite the emotional strain, he is committed to balancing royal duty with his most important role: being a father.
“I enjoy my work… and I enjoy pacing myself and making sure I’ve got time for my family too.”
Carrying the Weight of a Family in Crisis
Royal insiders have quietly described this year as “the most difficult period for the monarchy in a generation.” With both the King and Princess of Wales undergoing treatment, William has shouldered a heavy burden:
- Increasing public engagements
- Supporting his father’s responsibilities
- Caring for Catherine and their children
- Leading major initiatives such as Earthshot
Yet through it all, he expressed deep admiration for the two people fighting the hardest battles:
“I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done.”
A Glimpse Behind the Palace Walls
The Royal Family is known for its stoicism — the famous “never complain, never explain.” But William’s words signal a shift toward emotional honesty, something many observers say reflects the influence of Catherine herself.
Experts note that the prince’s candor may also be an effort to connect with the public at a time when trust in the monarchy is evolving, especially during moments of vulnerability.
Dr. Craig Prescott, a British constitutional scholar, commented:
“What William is experiencing is deeply human. By sharing it, he strengthens his bond with the public, who understand illness, caretaking, and uncertainty all too well.”
Looking Ahead With Hope
Although the past year has tested him, William emphasized resilience — both his own and his family’s. With Catherine continuing treatment and the King reportedly responding well to his own, there is cautious optimism inside the palace.
For now, William remains focused on what matters most:
supporting his wife, guiding his children, and carrying forward the responsibilities of a future king.
And as he reminded the world, behind the titles and ceremonies is a husband, a son, and a father navigating one of life’s most painful seasons — determined to keep going, one day at a time.