Prince William Reflects on Touching Bond with Late Queen

Prince William has opened up about his enduring grief for his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. The Prince of Wales made the poignant remarks during an interview for the Apple TV+ series The Reluctant Traveler. He spoke with host Eugene Levy while touring Windsor Castle.

The future king described the years since her passing as a period of significant change. His candid comments provide a rare glimpse into the personal loss felt by the royal family.

A Grandson’s Tribute at Windsor Castle

William did not hold back his emotions. “I do actually, yeah, I do miss my grandmother and my grandfather,” he told Levy. He acknowledged the profound personal and public shifts since their deaths. The Prince Philip died in April 2021, followed by the Queen in September 2022.

Windsor Castle holds particularly strong memories for William. He lives there with his wife, Kate Middleton, and their three children. Yet, he still deeply associates the estate with his “Granny.”

“You think about them not being here anymore and particularly being in Windsor,” he continued. “For me, Windsor is her.” He explained that he tries to show people the castle the way she would have wanted. This sentiment highlights his deep respect for her legacy.

Navigating a Challenging Period for the Monarchy

The interview also touched upon recent family health struggles. William described the past year as “the hardest year I’ve ever had.” This period included King Charles III’s and Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnoses.

Despite these trials, William shared an optimistic perspective. “Life is sent to test us as well,” he said. He added that overcoming adversity is what defines a person. This resilience reflects the monarchy’s efforts to steady itself during a tumultuous time.

The Queen’s love for Windsor was rooted in her personal life. William noted her horses were kept there. “Which you can imagine was a big deal for her,” he explained. “So that’s why she loved it here.” Queen Elizabeth II is buried on the Windsor grounds alongside Prince Philip.

The Prince of Wales’s heartfelt admission underscores the lasting personal impact of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. His reflections offer a humanizing look at a figure preparing for kingship while honoring a beloved grandmother. The monarchy continues to navigate a path forward, anchored by memory and duty.

Thought you’d like to know

What did Prince William say about Queen Elizabeth?

Prince William stated he deeply misses his grandmother. He shared that being at Windsor Castle makes him feel her absence most strongly, as she loved the residence and spent most of her time there.

Where was the Prince William interview filmed?

The conversation with Eugene Levy was filmed at Windsor Castle. This location was chosen for its deep personal connection to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

How has the royal family coped with recent health issues?

Prince William called the last year the hardest of his life, referencing cancer diagnoses for both his father and his wife. He framed these challenges as tests that help shape a person’s character.

What was Queen Elizabeth’s connection to Windsor Castle?

Windsor was the Queen’s preferred residence and the place she spent most of her time. Prince William specifically mentioned her love for the estate, where she also kept her horses.

Why are these comments from Prince William significant?

Such personal reflections on grief are rare from senior working royals. His openness provides a relatable human dimension to the royal family during a period of public and private transition.