Prince William describes 2024 as the most challenging year of his life following the diagnoses of cancer in Kate Middleton and King Charles.

In 2024, Prince William faced the "hardest year in my life" due to his wife Kate Middleton and father King Charles being diagnosed with cancer.

In an interview with reporters in Cape Town, South Africa, on Thursday, the 42-year-old Prince of Wales spoke openly about the "difficult" year he had experienced.

William, according to People magazine, stated that the year has been difficult and probably the hardest of his life.

He mentioned that managing everything else while staying on track has been quite challenging.

""I'm proud of my wife and father for handling the things they've done, but from a personal family perspective, it's been challenging," William said."

In February, it was revealed that Charles, who is 75 years old, had been diagnosed with a type of cancer and was currently receiving treatment at Buckingham Palace.

"It's been dreadful. It's probably been the hardest year in my life." — Prince William

In September, Princess Middleton announced that she was cancer-free after undergoing preventative chemotherapy, which she had disclosed in March.

William informed reporters during his interview that Middleton's health was "improving."

William replied, "Despite feeling far from relaxed this year, I'm surprised you all perceive me as such."

It's more about pushing through and persisting.

William, who shares sons Prince George, 11, and Prince Louis, 6, and daughter Prince Charlotte, 9, with Middleton, stated that he enjoys his work and takes care to pace himself while ensuring he has time for his family.

William's interview took place at the conclusion of his visit to Cape Town, where he attended the fourth annual Earthshot Prize Awards. In 2020, the prince established the Earthshot Prize to support entrepreneurs in creating climate-friendly businesses. During the ceremony on Wednesday, the Earthshot Prize granted $1.2 million in awards to five businesses for their innovative, sustainable solutions.

During the ceremony, William emphasized that the Earthshot Prize was established to support "dreamers, thinkers, and innovators from all walks of life who share a vision for a better, more sustainable future."

William expressed hope that his children watched the Earthshot Prize Awards, which were broadcasted on YouTube.

William revealed Charlotte's reaction to the scruffy beard he grew over the summer, despite being known for going clean-shaven. This was the first time in eight years that he sported a beard, following the congratulations he and Middleton gave Team Great Britain for its success at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

"The prince said, "Charlotte didn't like it the first time. I got floods of tears, the first one I got tears. So, I have to shave it off. And then I grew it back. I thought, ‘Hang on a second,’ and I convinced her it was going to be OK.""

The Associated Press contributed to this report.