Prince William Opens Up About His and Prince Harry’s Childhood, Promises to Safeguard Prince George’s Future
“I’ll do everything in my power to make sure we don’t fall back into that situation,” the Prince of Wales said on The Reluctant Traveler.
Prince William has shared a rare glimpse into his thoughts on his and Prince Harry’s upbringing — and his determination to ensure his eldest son, Prince George, doesn’t experience the same hardships.
During an appearance on Eugene Levy’s Apple TV+ series The Reluctant Traveler, the 43-year-old royal discussed his vision for George’s future and his hopes for the world he’ll one day inherit.
When asked about the prospect of George, 12, eventually becoming king, William said the question goes far beyond titles.
“It’s a fascinating question — and a big one. There’s a lot to consider. Ultimately, I want to build a world that my son can be proud of, one where the work we do truly makes a difference in people’s lives,” William explained.
He added, “But that comes with the hope that we won’t revert to some of the practices from the past that Harry and I grew up with — and I’ll do everything I can to prevent that.”
William and Kate Middleton share three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7. As the eldest, George is second in line to the throne after his father.
The comment was William’s sole mention of his estranged brother during the episode — and one of the few times he’s spoken publicly about Harry in recent years.
Tensions between the brothers came to light in 2020, when Prince Harry, 41, and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties and relocated to the U.S. Although their relationship remains tense, Harry told the BBC in May that he hopes for reconciliation and met with King Charles in London in September — their first face-to-face encounter in 19 months.
William also reflected on how his parents’ troubled marriage and divorce influenced his approach to parenting.
When Levy asked about his wish for his children to have a “normal” upbringing, William credited his late mother, Princess Diana, for instilling that value.
“It’s crucial to create that kind of environment at home — warmth, security, love. That was definitely part of my early years. My parents divorced when I was 8, so it didn’t last long, but it left an impact,” he said.
“You take those lessons, you grow from them, and you try not to repeat your parents’ mistakes,” he added. “We all try to do what’s best for our kids, but the drama and stress you experience as a child really stays with you as an adult.”
William also provided a rare update on King Charles III and Princess Kate’s health during his conversation with Levy, calling 2024 “the hardest year of my life.”
Earlier this year, it was revealed that both the King, 76, and the Princess of Wales, 43, had been diagnosed with cancer and started treatment. The King’s treatment has continued into 2025, while Kate announced in January that she was in remission and later confirmed she completed chemotherapy in September.
Levy asked William how things were now, given everything his family has faced.
“Yes, things are looking good. Everything is moving in the right direction, which is very positive,” William said.
“But I’d say 2024 was the toughest year I’ve ever faced,” he admitted. “Balancing the children’s well-being, supporting Catherine, and being there for my father — while he’s capable, he still needs care — all while maintaining my responsibilities… It was challenging to protect my family and give them space to process everything, and still keep doing the job.”