(NewsNation) — In a rare television appearance, Prince William opens up about last year being one of the most difficult years in his life.
A trailer for an episode of Eugene Levy’s Apple TV+ series “The Reluctant Traveler” shows the Prince of Wales extending a special invitation for the “Schitt’s Creek” actor to visit Windsor Castle, while he visits the U.K.
William is seen giving Levy a tour and talks about his children, emphasizing the importance of sleep in his life, especially with three small kids. He also shares that 2024 was the “hardest year I’ve ever had.”
This comment likely alludes to acknowledging the difficult period the royal family faced, including his wife Kate Middleton’s and his father King Charles’ cancer diagnoses.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 04: Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales during their visit to the Natural History Museum’s newly renovated gardens on September 04, 2025 in London, England. The gardens opened in 2024 and serve as a living laboratory, where visitors and scientists can identify and monitor wildlife in an urban environment. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) 
TORONTO, ONTARIO – SEPTEMBER 07: Eugene Levy speaks onstage at the TIFF Tribute Awards during the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival at The Fairmont Royal York Hotel on September 07, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images) 
KING’S LYNN, ENGLAND – JULY 23: King Charles III looks on during a visit to the Sandringham Flower Show 2025 at Sandringham House on July 23, 2025 in King’s Lynn, England. (Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)
“I’d say ‘23-’24 was the hardest year I’ve ever had,” the senior royal admits. “You know, life is sent to test us and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are.”
Kate Middleton, King Charles diagnosed with cancer
In February 2024, the palace announced that Charles had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer, discovered during treatment for a benign prostate condition.
A month later, Kate announced her own cancer diagnosis. She revealed she’d undergone six months of preventive chemotherapy in 2024 and is in remission as of January of this year.
Unclear if Prince William discusses Prince Harry
The trailer doesn’t provide any details on whether Prince William discusses the current rift he has with his brother, Prince Harry, with Levy.
An insider told NewsNation’s Paula Froelich last year that there’s “no way Kate or William” would privately meet with Harry and Meghan Markle.
“They haven’t spoken to them (since Harry’s tell-all memoir ‘Spare‘),” Froelich’s source said, “In which he talked about both Kate and William.”