Prince William is reflecting on his relationship with the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
During the recent episode of Eugene Levy‘s Apple TV+ series, “The Reluctant Traveler,” the future king, 43, shared that his relationship with his grandparents became closer the older they got.
“Yes, I had a good relationship,” the Prince of Wales replied after the “Schitt’s Creek” star, 78, asked if the trio was close.
“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.”
Prince William added, “I definitely think my relationship was best with my grandparents when they were more in their, sort of 80s — when they’d sort of, relaxed a little bit.”
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were married for 73 years until Philip’s death in 2021 at age 99. The Queen passed away a year later at age 96.
After Philip’s death, William called him “an extraordinary man” whose “humor and charm could light up any room.”
Following Queen Elizabeth’s passing, he described his grandmother as “an extraordinary leader” and “a guiding light” for his family.
“I will honor her memory by supporting my father, The King, in every way I can.”
While on the “Reluctant Traveler,” William also touched on one day becoming king.
“I don’t feel too overwhelmed by that,” he confessed. “Not now anyway, when I was younger, yeah, there are bits that overwhelm you, a bit like, ‘Wow, are we actually doing this? Is this sort of happening?” But with time and age, I think you feel a bit more settled in that side of things, and you go, actually, I can do that. And even if a few curve balls come in, that doesn’t necessarily overwhelm me.”
Elsewhere in the episode, titled “Living the Royal Life in the UK,” the pair discussed how life can change in the blink of an eye.
“We’ve been very lucky; we hadn’t had many illnesses in the family for a very long time. My grandparents lived until they were in the high 90s,” William explained.
“They were the vision of fitness, and stoicism, and resilience, if you like. So we’ve been very lucky as a family,” he continued. “But I think, when you suddenly realize that the rug, if you were, the metaphorical rug, can be pulled from under your feet quite quick at any point.”
“You maybe think to yourself, ‘It won’t happen to us, we’ll be OK.’ Because I think everyone has a positive outlook, you’ve got to be positive,” William said. “But when it does happen to you, then it takes you into some pretty not great places.”
Last year, both William’s wife, Kate Middleton, 43, his father, King Charles, were diagnosed with cancer.
“I’d say ‘23-’24 was the hardest year I’ve ever had,” the prince shared. “You know, life is sent to test us and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are.”
In March 2024, the Princess of Wales revealed she was being treated for cancer.
While undergoing chemotherapy, Kate stayed under the radar.
In September 2024, Princess Kate said she was cancer-free.
“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” Middleton shared. “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.”
In January, Kate called remission “a relief.”
“As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal,” she stated. “I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”
King Charles, 76, meanwhile, was diagnosed with cancer in February 2024 and has continued to undergo treatment.
In April, the monarch thanked “all those who support cancer patients and their loved ones” in a personal message.