"The hardest year of my life": Prince William talks so openly about the last few months

Cape Town - At the end of his trip to South Africa, Prince William (42) was asked by a British journalist how the year had been for him so far. However, no one expected his answer.

The "Earthshot Environmental Prize", founded by Prince William (42), is awarded each year to five winners in recognition of their contributions to environmental protection.
The "Earthshot Environmental Prize", founded by Prince William (42), is awarded each year to five winners in recognition of their contributions to environmental protection.  © Chris Jackson/PA Wire/dpa

A reporter from the British news agency "PA" actually just wanted to compliment the heir to the throne on his "relaxed appearance". But William replied: "I couldn't be less relaxed this year."

The Windsor native then spoke unusually candidly about his personal stresses and strains over the past few months: "To be honest, it's been awful. It's probably been the hardest year of my life."

William was referring in particular to the two cancer diagnoses in his immediate family. At the beginning of the year, the British royal family announced that King Charles III (75) had been diagnosed with cancer.

This was followed shortly afterwards by the next shock: Princess Kate (42), William's wife, also had to undergo chemotherapy. Fortunately, she was able to complete this in September.

Trip to South Africa without wife and children

The self-made bracelet should always remind dad William (42) of home.
The self-made bracelet should always remind dad William (42) of home.  © Aaron Chown/PA Wire/dpa

After the diagnoses became known in his family, Prince William also withdrew from the public eye in order to look after his children George (11), Charlotte (9) and Louis (6) during this difficult time.

William himself lost his mother, Princess Diana (†36), at the age of just 15, who died in a tragic car accident.

The "Prince of Wales" was in South Africa for the presentation of an award he had established - the "Earthshot Environmental Award".

His daughter Charlotte made him a bracelet as a small memento, which the Prince carried with him during his trip.