Prince William has spoken with rare honesty about the deep pain of losing both his grandparents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, in a moving new interview that has touched hearts worldwide.
The Prince of Wales, now preparing for the immense responsibility of one day becoming king, shared his emotions during a special conversation with Emmy-winning actor Eugene Levy for the Apple TV+ series The Reluctant Traveler.
Remembering the Queen at Windsor
The episode, premiering October 3rd, takes viewers inside Windsor Castle, an estate filled with memories of the late Queen.
When Levy gently asked, “Do you miss your grandmother?” William’s response was immediate and heartfelt:
“I do actually, yeah, I do miss my grandmother and my grandfather. It’s been quite a bit of change. You do think about them not being here anymore. Particularly being in Windsor. For me, Windsor is her. She loved it here. She spent most of her time here. Showing you around today is very much a case of trying to make sure I’m doing it in the way she’d want you to see it.”
For William, Windsor will forever be linked to Queen Elizabeth II’s presence, her passion for horses, and her enduring love for the estate. Both she and Prince Philip now rest side by side in St. George’s Chapel — a constant reminder of their lasting influence.
A Brutal Year for the Royal Family
Beyond reflecting on his grandparents, William revealed just how personally challenging recent years have been. He admitted that 2024 was the hardest year of his life, as both King Charles III and Princess Catherine faced cancer diagnoses within months of each other.
King Charles’s condition was announced by Buckingham Palace in February, followed shortly after by Catherine’s own emotional video message, where she revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy.
William shared:
“Life is sent to test us as well, and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are.”
Balancing royal duty while supporting his young family and caring for loved ones has been nothing short of a trial by fire.
Thankfully, in January 2025, Princess Catherine shared uplifting news that she was in remission — bringing relief and hope to royal fans across the globe. King Charles, meanwhile, continues treatment while carrying out a reduced royal schedule.
A Prince, A Husband, A Father
Despite the heavy themes of grief and resilience, the episode also revealed William’s lighter side.
When asked what he enjoys doing at home, he chuckled and replied:
“Sleep. When you have three small children, sleep is an important part of my life.”
It was a reminder that beneath the crown, William is still a devoted husband and father, juggling the everyday challenges of raising Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
In a particularly charming moment, William even penned a handwritten invitation to Levy:
“I heard that your travels have brought you to the UK and I wondered if you might like to see Windsor Castle. If you’re free at 10 tomorrow, why don’t you pop down to the castle for a private tour. Would be great to see you.”
The Making of a Modern Monarch
This personal touch reflects William’s approachable, modern style of royalty — one that blends tradition with warmth, relatability, and humanity.
From the loss of his grandparents to the health battles of his closest family members, William has had to navigate grief, responsibility, and the global spotlight all at once. Yet in sharing his vulnerability so openly, he shows the very qualities many believe will define his reign: empathy, resilience, and the ability to connect with people on a human level.
For royal watchers, this rare glimpse into William’s private emotions is a powerful reminder that behind the crown lies a man shaped not only by duty, but also by profound personal love and loss.