It’s been the hardest year of my life, says William
The Prince of Wales has described the past year as the “most challenging” of his life.
In remarks made to reporters at the close of his visit to South Africa, Prince William opened up about coping with the news that both his wife and his father were diagnosed with cancer.
“It’s been dreadful. It’s likely been the hardest year of my life. Managing everything else and keeping things on track has been tough,” he said when asked about his year following a difficult period for the Royal Family.
Buckingham Palace announced in February that the King had been diagnosed with cancer and would begin treatment. Six weeks later, it was revealed that the Princess of Wales was undergoing chemotherapy for her own cancer diagnosis.
The King has since resumed public duties, and Catherine has completed her chemotherapy.
Prince William expressed his pride, saying, “I’m so proud of my wife, and of my father, for facing what they have with such resilience.”
“From a personal family perspective, though, it’s been brutal,” he added.
On Friday, royal author Robert Hardman told the BBC’s Today program that Prince William’s openness was part of a broader shift in the royal family’s approach to their public image.
Hardman also mentioned recent documentaries featuring the Prince of Wales and the Queen, noting that the monarchy has had “an extraordinary year.”
“It’s been a hell of a year—William has been helping his wife through a very serious illness while also stepping in for his father, who has been battling cancer,” said Hardman, author of the new book Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story.
“He’s been holding the fort throughout all this”.
The Prince of Wales has been in South Africa for his Earthshot prize awards ceremony.
On Wednesday night, five projects each won £1m in prize money for their environmental innovations.
He was also asked about the role of Prince of Wales and whether he liked the freedom and responsibility that came with it.
“It’s a tricky one. Do I like more responsibility? No,” he said.
“Do I like the freedom that I can build something like Earthshot then yes.
“And that’s the future for me. It’s very important with my role and my platform, that I’m doing something for good.
“That I’m helping people’s lives and I’m doing something genuinely meaningful.”
The prince has been sporting a beard since the summer and it has divided opinion even amongst those closest to him including his daughter Princess Charlotte.
“Well, Charlotte didn’t like it the first time. I got floods of tears, so I had to shave it off. And then I grew it back. I thought, hang on a second, and I convinced her it was going to be okay.”
And on his general feelings about combining his role as a future king, husband, and father, there was a sense that he had found the right mix of official duty and private time.
“I enjoy my work and I enjoy pacing myself and keeping sure that I have got time for my family too.”
The Prince’s final day in Cape Town saw him learn more about the work of Abalobi, a 2023 Earthshot prize finalist who aims to protect small-scale fishing communities.
He was met with shouts of “We love you, William” and chatted with local fishermen and women involved in the program.
But later a handful of vocal protesters held up placards or shouted about a range of issues including conflict in Israel, indigenous rights, the culling of baboons in the area and lack of representation for local fishermen.
