Prince William, the Prince of Wales, recently reflected on what he described as the “hardest year” of his life, following his father, King Charles, and his wife, Princess Catherine, both being diagnosed with cancer. Speaking to reporters in South Africa at the conclusion of his Earthshot Prize awards ceremony, Prince William shared the personal challenges of supporting his wife through chemotherapy while stepping up his public responsibilities as his father also underwent treatment.
Reflecting on the ordeal, he expressed immense pride in both his father and wife for their strength during treatment, describing the family experience as “brutal” yet admiring their resilience. Despite these trials, both the King and Princess Catherine have shown positive progress, with King Charles resuming his public duties and Catherine completing her chemotherapy.
In South Africa, Prince William celebrated five environmental innovations that received £1 million each through the Earthshot Prize, marking the Prince’s commitment to sustainability and social impact. He shared his passion for projects like Earthshot, which align with his role and platform, providing him a meaningful sense of purpose beyond traditional royal duties.
During his visit, William sported a beard, which he humorously noted had divided opinion among his family, with his daughter Princess Charlotte initially objecting to the change. Balancing his royal duties and family life, he emphasized the importance of pacing himself to ensure quality time with loved ones.
Concluding his South Africa visit, Prince William met local fishermen involved with Abalobi, an Earthshot Prize finalist aiming to support small-scale fishing communities. The day ended with a few vocal protesters highlighting local and global issues, including calls for indigenous rights and improved local representation.
