Prince William expressed that the last year has likely been the most challenging of his life due to the recent cancer diagnoses of both his father, King Charles, and his wife, Kate.

During a recent media engagement in South Africa, he spoke candidly about navigating this tough period while fulfilling his royal responsibilities and spending time with his family, according to various news outlets like the BBC and Sky News.

When reflecting on his year, William said, “Honestly? It’s been dreadful. It’s probably been the hardest year of my life. Keeping everything on track has been incredibly tough.”

King Charles, 75, has been receiving treatment for an unspecified type of cancer, which was diagnosed in February, following his travels to Australia and Samoa.

This year, Kate, 42, underwent preventative chemotherapy for cancer and described it as an “incredibly tough” time for the family.

“I’m so proud of my wife; I’m proud of my father for how they’ve handled everything,” William shared. “But from a personal family perspective, it has been brutal.”

On Wednesday, William attended the annual ceremony for the Earthshot Prize in South Africa, which recognizes individuals working on creative environmental solutions. He attended alone as Kate is still in recovery from her treatments. He mentioned that she was doing “really well.”

Prince William on the Freedom of Charity Work as a Royal

When discussing his role as Prince of Wales, William emphasized, “It’s crucial for me to use my position and platform to make a positive impact. I want to help enhance people’s lives through meaningful initiatives.”

“I truly enjoy my work and aim to balance it with family time,” he noted.

William expressed thoughts on the duality of his royal responsibilities, saying, “Do I want more responsibilities? Not really. But I appreciate the freedom that lets me create projects like Earthshot.”

He added humorously about his daughter, Charlotte, not being fond of his new beard, saying, “Charlotte cried the first time she saw it. I had to shave it off. Then I convinced her it would be okay when I grew it back.”