Prince William has candidly shared how his wife, Kate Middleton’s 2024 cancer diagnosis profoundly impacted him. In a recent episode of Eugene Levy’s Apple TV+ series, “The Reluctant Traveler,” the Prince of Wales reflected on their family’s health challenges, drawing from both personal experiences and family history.
William, 43, discussed the family’s fortunate history with health, mentioning that his grandparents, the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, lived into their 90s, embodying fitness and resilience. However, he noted that life can shift unexpectedly, saying, “The metaphorical rug can be pulled from under your feet quite quick at any point.” He explained that while optimism is a natural defense, facing serious illness can lead to challenging realities.
In addition to Kate’s battle with cancer, which began publicly in March 2024, William revealed that his father, King Charles, also received a cancer diagnosis. Reflecting on the difficult period, which he described as the hardest year of his life, William emphasized the testing nature of life and the resilience that emerges from overcoming such challenges.
Kate underwent chemotherapy for several months, remaining relatively private during her treatment. By September 2024, she announced her cancer-free status, expressing profound relief. “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family,” she shared, indicating how swiftly life can change.
In January 2025, after adjusting to life post-cancer, Kate referred to entering remission as “a relief” and conveyed her eagerness for a fulfilling year ahead. Her father-in-law, King Charles, who started his treatment in February 2024, has also expressed gratitude for the compassion shared among those affected by cancer.
William’s emotional journey continued as he acknowledged the pervasive struggle cancer presents. During a trip to South Africa in November 2024, he told reporters, “It’s probably been the hardest year in my life,” marking a poignant acknowledgment of family hardships.
As the royal couple navigates their evolving family dynamic post-treatment, Kate has highlighted the challenges of returning to normalcy after cancer. While visiting Colchester Hospital, she spoke about the difficulties many face once treatments conclude, emphasizing the gradual process of rehabilitation and emotional support that is essential for recovery.
Their experiences shed light on the importance of openness regarding health struggles and the value of support networks during and after such trying times. Both William and Kate’s stories resonate with many battling similar challenges, promoting a hopeful perspective that recovery is possible, and joy can be found in returning to life after adversity.