LONDON –
In a moment of rare public candour, Britain’s heir to the throne, Prince William, revealed that the paramount focus of his life has been protecting his family amid the recent health struggles of his wife, Princess Catherine, and his father, King Charles III. The Prince also used the interview to outline his intent to modernise the monarchy when he ascends to the throne.
Speaking with Canadian actor Eugene Levy for his travel show, the usually guarded Prince William, 43, admitted he sometimes felt “overwhelmed” by personal issues, emphasizing his vow to shield his children from excessive media intrusion.
“Worry or stress around the family side of things, that does overwhelm me quite a bit,” the Prince told the Schitt’s Creek star. He added, “When it’s to do with family and things like that, then that’s where I start getting a bit overwhelmed – as I think most people would, because it’s more personal.”
The Hardest Year and Future Vision
The discussion took place at Windsor Castle, the royal home west of London. Prince William shared that the past year, during which both the Princess of Wales (now in remission) and the King, 76, began treatment for cancer, was the hardest he had ever experienced.
“Life is sent to test us,” he reflected. “And it definitely can be challenging at times, and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are. 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.”
The Prince connected his current protective stance to the intense press coverage he witnessed during the turbulent divorce of his parents, King Charles and the late Princess Diana, noting the media was “in everything, literally everywhere.”
“The damage it can do to your family life is something that I vowed would never happen to my family,” he said. “And so, I take a very strong line about where I think that line is, and those who overstep it, you know I’ll fight against.”
While he admitted he doesn’t dwell on becoming King, William confirmed he plans to perform the role with a clear agenda for reform.
“I think it’s safe to say that change is on my agenda. Change for good,” he stated. “That’s the bit that excites me, the idea of being able to bring some change. Not overly radical change, but changes that I think need to happen.”
