Prince William calls 2024 the ‘hardest year of my life’

Prince William is having his own annus horribilis.

The heir to the British throne admitted he’s had a “brutal” year after both his wife, Kate Middleton, and his father, King Charles III, both received cancer diagnoses.

“It’s been dreadful,” William, 42, said while in Cape Town, South Africa, on Thursday, adding that it’s been the “hardest year in my life,” according to People.

The Prince of Wales stated that he’s “so proud” of Middleton and his father for “handling the things that they have done, but from a personal family point of view, it’s been, yeah, it’s been brutal.”

Reflecting on his growing responsibilities as the Prince of Wales following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, he admitted, “So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult.”

Middleton, 42, went public with her cancer diagnosis in March, while Charles’ cancer diagnosis was announced one month prior.

William shared that she is “doing well” after she announced on Sept. 9 that she completed her chemotherapy treatment.

After being told that he appeared relaxed, William replied, “I couldn’t be less relaxed this year, so it’s very interesting you’re all seeing that.”

The father of three then explained that focusing on work and his family motivates him everyday.

“But it’s more a case of just crack on and you’ve got to keep going,” William said. “I enjoy my work and I enjoy pacing myself and keeping sure that I have got time for my family, too.”

Earlier this week, royal author Robert Jobson spoke to Hello! and shared that Middleton is back to her fitness routine following her cancer treatment.

“From what I understand, Catherine is doing very well,” he said on Monday. “She is back training at the gym and doing all the things she wanted to do.”

Meanwhile, Charles was diagnosed with cancer after he underwent surgery for an enlarged prostate in February.

Last month, it was revealed that the British monarch would pause his cancer treatment due to his royal engagements in Australia that were scheduled to last for 11 days.

A source told the Daily Mail on Oct. 6 that Charles’ doctors were “mindful” and that his schedule did ensure to “prioritize” his health.