Prince William Says ‘Life Is Sent to Test Us’ in Rare Interview About His ‘Hardest Year’ Yet

Prince William admitted that 2024 was “the hardest year I’ve ever had” in a candid moment with Eugene Levy for the actor’s Apple TV+ series The Reluctant Traveler.

In a preview clip, the Prince of Wales reflected on the challenges of the past year, saying, “Life is sent to test us as well, and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are.” He went on to describe 2024 as “the hardest year I’ve ever had.”

The remarks come after a difficult stretch for the royal family. In March 2024, his wife, Princess Kate, 43, revealed in a video that she had been diagnosed with cancer, calling it “incredibly tough for us as a family.” The Princess of Wales announced in January 2025 that she was in remission.

In February 2024, King Charles III, 76, also shared news of his own cancer diagnosis and has since been receiving outpatient treatment.

William, 43, made the comments while giving Levy a personal tour of Windsor Castle for the travel show. The unlikely duo were later shown sharing a pint at a pub, with William ordering a beer and Levy choosing Guinness. When the actor asked what life is like at home, William laughed and replied, “Sleep. When you’ve got three small children, sleep is an important part of my life.”

The 78-year-old Schitt’s Creek star had been invited to the castle via a formal letter on Kensington Palace stationery, which he read on camera before meeting William. At one point, the Prince even joked with Levy while walking in Windsor Great Park, asking, “Was getting drunk with Prince William on your bucket list?” Levy grinned and replied, “That’s the bucket.”

The episode of The Reluctant Traveler featuring William will be available to stream on October 3 on Apple TV+.