William unfiltered HOW HE'S REALLY COPING

The prince opened up to Schitt's Creek actor Eugene Levy in a TV special

- Judy Kean

The year 2024 was - in the words of the late Queen Elizabeth II - an "annus horribilis" for many members of the royal family.

Prince William has previously admitted dealing with the shock cancer diagnoses given to his wife, Catherine, the Princess of Wales and his father, King Charles, made it a "brutal" year for him.

Now he's spoken out about how the challenges of last year, as tough as they were, have helped shape him and his family.

In a candid and emotional appearance on a TV travel show hosted by Schitt's Creek actor Eugene Levy, William, 43, opened up about the anguish of coping with loved ones having a potentially fatal disease and finding the strength to get through the trauma.

“I’d say 2024 was the hardest year I’ve ever had,” says William in The Reluctant Traveller with Eugene Levy: Living the Royal Life in the UK. “You know, life is sent to test us as well and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are.”

William’s revelations came as he sat down with the star in a pub close to Windsor Castle. They echo what he said in an interview at the end of last year.

“It’s been dreadful,” he admitted when asked about how 2024 was. “I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things they have done. But from a personal family point of view, it’s been brutal.”

William’s decision to again discuss the impact cancer has had on his wife and father proves how important he thinks it is to be transparent, says royal correspondent Rebecca Russell.

“Like many of us, William’s juggling a lot - husband, doting dad, protector when times are tough as they were last year, caring son and future king. Not to mention his official duties, his various charities and campaigns.