Prince William has offered a rare glimpse into his private life, reflecting on his parents’ divorce and vowing not to repeat the same mistakes with his own children.
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The Prince of Wales has spoken openly about his family life in a rare and revealing interview. Appearing alongside actor Eugene Levy on a special episode of “The Reluctant Traveler,” Prince William welcomed cameras into Windsor Castle and into his private reflections.
Prince William and Eugene Levy from a video posted on Oct 3, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@ITVNews
In one of his most candid conversations to date, the heir to the throne discussed the balance between duty and home. He spoke of lessons learned from his own upbringing and the determination to protect his wife and children from the challenges of the past.
William referred to the intense media scrutiny he and Prince Harry faced as children. He made clear he would not allow the same pressures to shape his family’s future. “Growing up I saw that with my parents,” he said. “And if you let that creep in, the damage it can do to your family life is something that I vowed would never happen to my family.”
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The prince described family as the most important part of his life. He reflected on the impact of his parents’ divorce when he was still young. “My parents got divorced at eight, so that lasted a short period of time, he said. But you take that and you learn from it and you try and make sure you don’t do the same mistakes as your parents.”
He added that creating a stable and secure home is essential for his children. For William, the focus is clear: warmth, safety, and love. He stressed that these foundations shape a child’s future. His comments reveal both a recognition of the challenges of his childhood and a determination not to repeat them.
Prince Louis, Prince William, Prince George, Princess Catherine, and Princess Charlotte of Wales during Trooping the Colour on June 14, 2025 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
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Beyond family life, Prince William also shared his vision for the future of the monarchy. He spoke about change, responsibility, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. “Change is on my agenda,” he said, adding that he wants his eldest son, Prince George, to one day inherit a role and an institution he can be proud of.
The conversation unfolded during a personal tour of Windsor Castle with actor Eugene. The pair walked the family dog, Orla, and visited a local pub, where William spoke candidly over a pint of cider.
Prince William watches while on horseback outside Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Colour on June 14, 2025 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
He admitted that he does not dwell on the thought of becoming King. Instead, he focuses on being authentic and genuine in his daily life. “I take my roles and my responsibilities seriously,” he explained, “but it’s important… you don’t feel they own you – you have to own them.”
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Looking further ahead, he reflected on the future awaiting his son, saying he hoped to shape a world and a role within the monarchy that Prince George could take pride in, one that would have a genuine and positive impact on people’s lives.
Prince William and Princess Catherine with Princess Charlotte, Prince George, and Prince Louis of Wales in London, England | Source: Getty Images
William emphasized that his vision was not focused on radical transformation but on pursuing meaningful adjustments. He said the prospect of introducing necessary changes was what motivated him, stressing that while the changes would not be sweeping, they were ones he believed were important.
During the conversation, Prince William also reflected on the loss of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. He admitted he often thinks about her and said Windsor Castle carries strong memories of her presence.
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Prince William and Eugene Levy from a video posted on October 2, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@royalchannel
It was a place she loved, he noted, particularly because of her horses and the time she spent there. Showing Eugene around Windsor, William said he believed his grandmother would have wanted the visit to unfold in just that way.
The setting itself was unusual. Royal interviews are rarely conducted inside Windsor Castle, and the relaxed format was far from the traditional, carefully managed encounters with the press. No questions were agreed in advance, and no areas of discussion were ruled out.
Prince William on a scooter outside Windsor Palace from a video posted on October 2, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@royalchannel
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The result was an heir to the throne speaking openly, even emotionally, in a way that caught many observers by surprise. The choice of Apple TV+ also underscored a shift in how the Royal Family communicates. Royal media teams are broadening their reach, investing energy in Instagram, YouTube, and collaborations with major streaming services.
The King is currently engaged with projects involving Netflix and Amazon. William’s appearance on Apple’s “The Reluctant Traveler” fits this wider strategy of engaging audiences across multiple platforms and presenting royalty in new, global contexts.
But the approach carries risks. Opening Windsor Castle to film crews and allowing candid discussion creates moments that are harder to control. For both Apple and Kensington Palace, however, the project has proved successful.
Apple secured a headline-making episode, and palace officials believe William came across as relatable and approachable. A royal source described the shift as significant. “For all too long, we’ve seen the royals as perfect,” the source said. “Here we see William as a human being, in a pub, with a pint, chatting. It’s the most open we’ve ever seen him.”
