Prince William's candid new revelations - Prince Harry to strictest parenting rule

Prince William has opened up in one of his most candid and personal conversations yet - giving an unprecedented glimpse into his work and home life.

The Prince of Wales has joined Eugene Levy for a special episode of his Apple TV documentary The Reluctant Traveller, which sees the heir to the throne show the Schitt's Creek actor around Windsor Castle. And with the episode being released today, here we take a look at some of the biggest revelations from the show - from how he and his family dealt with Kate's cancer diagnosis to how he envisages life when he one day becomes King...

Family cancer diagnoses

Speaking about Kate's cancer diagnosis, William revealed that things were progressing well but admitted it was a tough year for them all when he found out Kate had cancer shortly after his father was also diagnosed with the disease.

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"I’d say 2024 was the hardest year that I’ve ever had. Trying to sort of balance protecting the children, Catherine, my father needs a bit of protection, but he’s you know, he’s old enough to do that himself as well," he said.

"But it’s important my family feel protected and have the space to process a lot of the stuff that’s gone on last year, and that was tricky trying to do that and keep doing the job. We all have challenges that come our way and it’s important to keep going."

William also opened up about how the family have been "lucky" that his grandparents lived so long, so when his father and wife both got a cancer diagnosis, it felt like the "rug was pulled from under his feet". He admitted the experience had taken him to some 'not great places.'

Children's reaction

During his chat with Eugene, William admitted that it had been a hard year for their three children - George, Charlotte and Louis - after Kate's cancer diagnosis but that they were "constantly learning and adapting".

"Everyone has their own coping mechanisms for these sorts of things, and children are constantly learning and adapting. We try to make sure we give them the security and the safety that they need," he explained as he opened up on his family.

"We’re a very open family, so we talk about things that bother us, and things that trouble us, but you never quite know the knock-on effects that it can have. It’s just important to be there for each other and to kind of reassure the children that everything is okay."

Family pride

However, amid all the tough times of the past year, William admitted he is determined to overcome it - and heaped praise on his family.

He said: "You know life is sent to test us as well and it definitely can be challenging at times, and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are. You know, I’m so proud of my wife and my father, for how they’ve handled all of last year. My children have managed brilliantly as well."

Breaks silence on Harry

Following the very public comments Prince Harry made in his memoir Spare about his brother, the pair are said to be locked in a feud with one another, so much so that Harry is rarely mentioned by William.

However, in the show, William mentions his brother when talking about his childhood. Discussing how he'd feel about his son becoming King, he said: "It’s an interesting question and it’s a big question that one.

"Because there’s lots of things to think about with that. But obviously, I want to create a world in which my son is proud of what we do, a world and a job that actually does impact people’s lives for the better. That is caveated with, I hope we don’t go back to some of the practices in the past, that Harry and I had to grow up in. I’ll do everything I can to make sure we don’t regress in that situation."

Missing the Queen

During the chat with Eugene, William opens up about missing his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Phillip. The Queen sadly died in September 2022, just 18 months after her beloved husband.

"I do miss my grandmother, and my grandfather. It’s been quite a bit of change, so you do sort of, you think about them not being here anymore, and particularly being in Windsor, for me Windsor is her," he explained.

Speaking about Windsor Castle, he added: "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. She had her horses here as well, as you can imagine that was a big deal for her so that’s why she loved it here."

He also opened up about the changing nature of the relationship with his grandparents, saying: "My grandparents were of a different generation. I think when we were younger, it was harder to have that very close relationship because it was quite formal, but as they got older and I got older it got warmer and warmer and I definitely think my relationship was best with my grandparents when they were more in their, sort of 80s."

Vision for future

In one key moment of the episode, William shows Eugene around Windsor Castle's grand State Rooms, which are filled with history.

And asked about what it was like to grow up surrounded by such prestige and tradition, William said: "I wouldn’t say history overwhelms me. Other things overwhelm me, but not history, no. I think if you’re not careful, history can be a real weight and an anchor around you, and you can feel suffocated by it, and restricted by it too much.

"And I think it’s important to live, for the here and now. But also I think if you’re too intrinsically attached to the history, you can’t possibly have any flexibility, because you worry that the chess pieces move too much and therefore no change will happen and I like a little bit of change."

And then when asked about his vision for the future of the monarchy, he candidly replied: "I think it’s very important that tradition stays, and tradition has a huge part in all of this but there’s also points where you look at tradition and go, is that still fit for purpose today? Is that still the right thing to do? Are we still doing and having the most impact we could be having?”

He added: "I think it’s safe to say that change is on my agenda. Change for good, and I embrace that and I enjoy that change."

Preparing George for top job

In another poignant moment, American Pie star Eugene asks William about his destiny of one day becoming King.

The Prince of Wales admits it's not something he thinks about when he wakes up each morning but explains "being genuine" is what drives him and that he takes his role seriously.

He said: "I take my roles and my responsibilities seriously but, it’s important, like I said to you earlier you don’t feel they own you - you have to own them."

As heir to the throne, it means that William's eldest son George, will also follow in the footsteps of his father - and will eventually be primed for a life of royal service.

Eugene asks William how he feels about George one day becoming King. And the prince told him: "It’s an interesting question and it’s a big question that one. Because there’s lots of things to think about with that. But obviously, I want to create a world in which my son is proud of what we do, a world and a job that actually does impact people’s lives for the better."

Tricky balance

With being heir to the throne, William has seen his responsibilities increase since becoming Prince of Wales over three years ago. And he also added that it is "really important" that he strikes the right balance of work and family life.

He explained: "Because for me, the most important thing in my life is family, and everything is about the future and about if you don’t start the children off now with a happy, healthy, stable home, I feel you’re setting them up for a bit of a hard time and a fall."

Family vow to himself

As William and Eugene chat over a pint in the pub, talk turns to how William has dealt with being in the public spotlight all of his life. He also reflects on the time of intense media scrutiny on his parents when they separated in the 90s.

He said: "It’s hard to think of it now, but they were much more insatiable. And they wanted every bit of detail they could absorb, and they were in everything, literally everywhere. They would know things, they’d be everywhere."

And now William says he has made a promise to never let that happen for his family. He explained: "If you let that creep in, the damage it can do to your family life is something that I vowed would never happen to my family. And so, I take a very strong line about where I think that line is and those who over-step it, I’ll fight against."

Life at home

In a more heartwarming moment, William opens up to the host about what life is really like behind closed doors in the family home.

He admits that having three children means that sleep is an important part of his life. But now the children are older, he talks about the fun hobbies that each of them have got stuck into.

William said: "So, Louis loves the trampoline, so he’s obsessed with trampolining and actually Charlotte does a lot as well. As far as I can tell they just end up jumping up and down on the trampoline, beating each other up, most of the time. Apparently, there is an art to it.

"Charlotte does her netball as well and her ballet and so keeping them busy with sports and being outdoors is really important. They’re trying to learn musical instruments. I’m not sure how successful we’re being with that. George loves his football and his hockey."

Strict rule for children

But despite all the sports and activities, William does admit that there is one hard and fast rule he and Kate have when it comes to the children.

Eugene asks the prince if they all sit down at the table to eat dinner together. And he replied: "Yep absolutely, yep definitely. So, we sit and chat, it’s really important. None of our children have any phones, which we’re very strict about."

Rarely seen family member

Also throughout the show, William is joined by a rarely seen family member - the Wales family dog, Orla. He introduces the black cocker spaniel to Eugene and she sweetly takes a dog treat from his hand.

William said: "So, she’s actually the niece of our other dog, Lupo. Who sadly we lost in lockdown." When Eugene asked if the prince was there when he passed away, William replied: "Yeah we were all there sadly, it was very sad."

The Reluctant Traveller with Eugene Levy airs on Apple TV+.