In a heartfelt statement, Prince William recently reflected on what he described as the “hardest” year of his life. As he concluded a visit to South Africa for his Earthshot Prize initiative, William spoke openly to reporters about the challenges of navigating both public and private pressures in the face of family health crises. Both his father, King Charles III, and his wife, Catherine—known widely as Kate—have endured serious illnesses this year, with Charles undergoing cancer treatment and Kate having just completed chemotherapy. “Honestly, it’s been dreadful,” William admitted, describing the year as “brutal” for his family.
This week marked a significant step forward as Kate, who had been largely absent from royal engagements since her diagnosis, appeared at key events in London for the first time since finishing her treatment. Reflecting on his family’s journey, William said he was “so proud” of Kate and his father for their resilience through illness and recovery.
The upcoming royal calendar includes some of the year’s most prominent events, the Festival of Remembrance concert and the Cenotaph memorial service. King Charles is expected to lead both, though the attendance of Queen Camilla remains uncertain as she recovers from a chest infection.
Kate’s reappearance signals a hopeful turn, as she expressed enthusiasm in September about resuming her royal duties “when I can.” Despite the ordeal, Prince William remains committed to his Earthshot Prize and other philanthropic ventures, remarking that despite the immense challenges, he finds solace in his work and remains determined to balance his duties with time for his family.
