In a rare interview during his trip to South Africa, Prince William discussed the challenging year he has endured. He shared how incredibly difficult the past year has been.

He highlighted the harsh realities many families face, explaining that cancer can be an unyielding presence. Reflecting on his family’s struggles, he noted that it was the most difficult year of his life. His grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, called 1992 her “annus horribilis” due to her children’s marital problems and the fire at Windsor Castle. However, this year, William has endured even greater hardship, earning admiration from royal supporters.

William shared that losing his mother at the age of 15 was a devastating experience, especially since he had to walk behind her coffin just six days later. He expressed pride in both his wife and father for their strength and resilience during such a challenging time. However, he also acknowledged the personal impact on his family, particularly regarding the tension between him and his brother, and emphasized the importance of love in guiding future actions.

He ended with a message of love, joy, happiness, and hope, stressing that with faith and strength, they could make the changes they desired. When asked about Catherine’s health after her difficult journey, he assured that she was doing well and likely cheering him on. While some reports mentioned she had returned to training, other conflicting reports suggested that King Charles was also dealing with his own health issues.

On his last day in Cape Town, William was greeted by a warm crowd. He joked that he had had a great time and did not want to leave, receiving handmade gifts for his family, including key chains and beaded earrings for Catherine. He took part in a local initiative supporting seaweed businesses, jokingly noting how a French children’s book could help his children learn French.

According to royal advisers, the trip marked William’s transition into a new phase of leadership since his father became king two years ago. He has started a variety of projects aimed at reducing homelessness and has prioritized child development, which appears to be a cornerstone of their future endeavors. While he appeared calm throughout the visit, William revealed that balancing family and business was difficult as he and his family recovered. He wanted to raise awareness of health issues and advocate for resources to help families dealing with such diagnosis.