Future King reveals intimate family struggles and vision for modern monarchy in candid TV appearance
Prince William has given his most personal interview yet, declaring family his top priority while acknowledging the painful impact of his parents’ divorce on his childhood.
In a remarkably frank conversation on Eugene Levy’s Apple TV show The Reluctant Traveller, filmed at Windsor Castle, the Prince of Wales spoke openly about learning from King Charles and Princess Diana’s failed marriage.
A Childhood Cut Short
“I think it’s really important that atmosphere is created at home. You have to have that warmth, that feeling of safety, security, love,” William told the Schitt’s Creek star. “That was certainly part of my childhood.”
However, he admitted that stability only lasted briefly. His parents’ separation was announced in 1992 when he was just 10, followed by their divorce in 1996 when he was 14.
“You take that and you learn from it and you try and make sure you don’t do the same mistakes as your parents,” William said. “I know that the drama and the stress when you’re small really affects you when you’re older.”
The comments may cause discomfort for his father, according to veteran royal journalist Phil Dampier, who told the Daily Express: “The King may be slightly taken aback by the frankness with which William has spoken.”
Creating Stability for George, Charlotte and Louis
William is determined to provide what he missed for his own children. Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, enjoy a structured home life where family dinners and the school run take priority over royal duties.
The children follow a strict no-mobile-phones rule but pursue individual interests—Louis loves trampolining, Charlotte enjoys ballet and netball, while George plays football and hockey.
William and Kate have fostered what he calls an “open family” approach. “We talk about things that bother us, and things that trouble us,” he explained, suggesting this helped the children cope during Kate’s cancer diagnosis last year.
Media Scrutiny and Family Protection
The prince condemned the “insatiable media’s” pursuit of his parents during his childhood, vowing it would never happen to his family.
“I hope we don’t go back to some of the practices in the past that Harry and I had to grow up in—and I’ll do everything I can to make sure we don’t regress,” he stated.
He acknowledged the challenges of managing media intrusion: “Sometimes there are aspects of it such as the media, the speculation, the scrutiny, that make it a little bit harder than other jobs.”
A Year of Family Crisis
William spoke candidly about 2024’s health challenges, which saw King Charles and Princess Kate both diagnosed with cancer, Princess Anne hospitalized after a horse accident, and the Queen treated for pneumonia.
“When you suddenly realize that the rug can be pulled from under your feet quite quick at any point… it takes you into some pretty not great places,” he admitted, though noting things have improved.
Vision for Change
The future king also outlined plans to modernize the monarchy, stating: “Change is on my agenda. Change for good.”
He questioned whether certain royal traditions remain “fit for purpose today” and expressed his desire to ensure the monarchy delivers value for money, with less extravagant events including his eventual coronation.
“I want to create a world in which my son is proud of what we do, a world and a job that actually does impact people’s lives for the better,” William said.
Some commentators suggest these remarks about reform while his father remains on the throne—particularly during Charles’s illness—may cause tension.
A Glimpse Behind Palace Walls
The episode, airing Friday on Apple TV, shows William arriving at Windsor Castle on an electric scooter before giving Levy a tour of the 13-acre estate and sharing a pint at a local pub.
He spoke affectionately about his late grandparents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, praising their humor, fitness and resilience into their high 90s.
Eugene Levy reflected on the experience: “He was so down to earth, very funny, very bright. He’s a dad who goes to work and then comes home and has dinner with his kids. There’s a normalcy to it that surprised me.”
A source close to William described it as “the most authentic I’ve seen him on screen,” noting the conversations were entirely unscripted and natural.
The episode of The Reluctant Traveller featuring Prince William streams on Apple TV+ from Friday, October 3, 2025.
