Prince William has said that 2024 has been “the most difficult” of his life, due to his family’s “horrendous” health struggles. The 42-year-old prince’s father, King Charles III, and his wife, Kate Middleton, have both battled cancer.
“It’s been terrible. This is probably the most difficult year of my life, the Prince of Wales told the press on November 7 after his visit to South Africa. “So it’s been very difficult to try to cope with everything else and stay on track.”
Lady Diana’s son, however, said he was proud of the way King Charles III and the Princess of Wales handled their illness.
“I’m very proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling this,” he said. But from a family point of view, it was… Yes, it was brutal.”
On a lighter note, William also mentioned that his daughter, Princess Charlotte, was not a fan of the beard he started sporting this year. “Charlotte didn’t like it the first time. I was flooded with tears and had to shave it, he explained. Then I let it grow back. I was like, wait a second. And I convinced her that it was going to be okay.”
When asked if he enjoyed the responsibilities that his role as Prince of Wales gave him, William responded in the negative, before admitting that the role did, however, allow him to launch positive initiatives such as the Earthshot Prize, which rewards actions in favor of the environment.
“It’s a delicate question. Do I like having more responsibilities? No. Do I like the freedom of being able to create something like Earthshot, then yes.”
