In a heartfelt interview for Apple TV Plus’s The Reluctant Traveler, set to air on October 3, 2025, Prince William bared his soul about the profound loss of his grandparents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and the personal trials that have tested him. Speaking with Emmy-winning actor Eugene Levy at Windsor Castle, the Prince of Wales offered a rare glimpse into his grief, resilience, and the weight of his future role as king, captivating audiences with his vulnerability and humanity.

A Poignant Reflection on Loss

Filmed within the historic walls of Windsor Castle, a place steeped in memories of Queen Elizabeth II, William responded to Levy’s gentle question, “Do you miss your grandmother?” with raw honesty: “I do actually, yeah, I do miss my grandmother and my grandfather. It’s been quite a bit of change.” His voice carried the weight of absence, noting that Windsor, where Elizabeth spent much of her time, “is her.” Both she and Prince Philip rest in St. George’s Chapel, a constant reminder of their enduring legacy. William shared that guiding Levy through the estate felt like honoring his grandmother’s vision, ensuring it was seen “in the way she’d want.”

A Brutal Year of Challenges

William’s candor extended beyond grief, as he described 2024 as “the hardest year I’ve ever had.” The year brought cancer diagnoses for both his father, King Charles III, announced in February 2024, and his wife, Princess Catherine, who revealed her preventative chemotherapy in a moving video. Supporting his family while fulfilling royal duties tested William’s strength. “Life is sent to test us,” he told Levy, “and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are.” Echoing a November 2024 interview in South Africa, where he called the year “brutal,” William’s resilience shone through.

Encouragingly, Catherine announced her remission in January 2025, offering hope to royal supporters. Charles, still undergoing treatment, maintains a reduced schedule. These health battles, coupled with the loss of his grandparents, have shaped William’s perspective, blending personal pain with public duty.

A Glimpse of the Man Behind the Crown

Despite the heavy topics, William’s lighter side emerged. When Levy asked what he enjoys at home, he quipped, “Sleep. When you have three small children, sleep is an important part of my life.” This relatable moment underscored his role as a devoted father to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, balancing parenthood with the pressures of royalty. His personal invitation to Levy for a private Windsor tour—“If you’re free at 10 tomorrow, why don’t you pop down to the castle?”—reflected a modern, approachable style, blending tradition with warmth.

A Future King Defined by Empathy

William’s openness about grief and family challenges reveals the qualities that may define his future reign: empathy, resilience, and relatability. By sharing his struggles—losing his grandparents, supporting his wife and father through illness, and raising young children under global scrutiny—he connects with people on a human level. This interview, set against Windsor’s historic backdrop, underscores a prince shaped by love, loss, and duty, offering a poignant reminder that even future kings carry personal pain behind their public roles.