Prince William Reveals How Children Are ‘Coping’ After Kate Middleton’s Cancer Diagnosis

Prince William is opening up about how his three children were affected amid Kate Middleton‘s cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

In conversation with actor Eugene Levy on the Apple TV+ series The Reluctant Traveler, the Prince of Wales was asked how Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, are doing after their mother announced her cancer diagnosis in March 2024. Princess Kate, 43, completed her treatment in September 2024 before announcing she was in remission early this year.

William, 43, says, “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 continues. “And 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. And so, it’s just important to be there for each other and to kind of reassure the children that everything is okay.”

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis have remained a top priority amid their mother’s shocking diagnosis. When the Princess of Wales publicly announced that she was undergoing chemotherapy, said she and William were “doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”

“As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment,” she said, referring to an abdominal procedure that took place in January 2024. “But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be okay.”

She continued, “As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.”

On the new episode of The Reluctant Traveler — in which Levy, 78, receives a tour of Windsor Castle from William — the Schitt’s Creek star asks the royal about both Princess Kate and King Charles, who also was diagnosed with cancer in 2024: “This last year, your wife and father have been ill. How are things now first of all?”

“Yes, things are good,” William replies. “Everything is progressing in the right way, which is all good news.”

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However, he’s also open about the accompanying challenges.

“But, it’s been, I’d say 2024 was the hardest year that I’ve ever had,” Prince William adds. “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. 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.”

“But you know, we all have challenges that come our way, and it’s important to keep going,” the prince continues.