'IT'S BEEN THE HARDEST YEAR OF MY LIFE'

THE PRINCE of Wales has admitted this "has been the hardest year of my life" as he opened up about his wife and father's cancer battles.

- Emily Ferguson

During his trip to South Africa, the future King was asked how 2024 has been. With remarkable sincerity, William replied: "Honestly? It's been dreadful. It's probably been the hardest year in my life."

Describing the ordeal as "brutal" he said keeping everything on track "has been really difficult". In January both the King and the Princess of Wales had operations and were diagnosed with cancer.

While Kate has completed chemotherapy, Charles continues to receive weekly treatment but still tackles official duties and public engagements.

Speaking at the end of his fourday trip to Cape Town for his Earthshot Prize, the Prince said: "I'm so proud of my wife, I'm proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done.

"But from a personal family point of view, it's been brutal."

Tears

William, 42, has not publicly spoken about his wife or his father's diagnoses, though in Kate's most recent statement she spoke of how hard the period had been. "The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family," she said.

"Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters."

The Princess, 42, added: "This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted, of simply loving and being loved."