In a candid interview during his visit to South Africa, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, opened up about the personal challenges his family has faced over the past year.

Known for his typically private demeanor, the royal was asked about the hardships his family has endured, particularly in light of his father and wife’s battles with cancer.

Prince William, who described the past year as “brutal,” explained that it has been the hardest time of his life.

His openness about the toll cancer has taken on his family resonated deeply with many who have faced similar struggles.

He likened this year’s difficulties to the 1992 year of “Annus Horribilis” famously described by his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. While her “horrible year” stemmed from a series of personal and public setbacks, including the breakdown of her children’s marriages and a devastating fire at Windsor Castle, William’s experience has been marked by even more heartbreaking personal battles within the royal family.

“The reality is, when I lost my mother at 15 and walked behind her coffin just six days later, that was a devastating time for me.

And now, trying to get through all of this and keep everything moving forward has been incredibly difficult,” said William, recalling the emotional impact of losing his mother, Princess Diana, at a young age.

Despite these challenges, William remains resolute and hopeful. “From a family perspective, it’s been a really tough year, but I’m hopeful,” he said, offering a message of strength to those in similar situations. “I’m proud of my family, and I’m proud of how we’re handling everything. We will get through this. I send everyone a lot of love and hope.”