Prince William, in a candid conversation with Eugene Levy on Apple TV+’s The Reluctant Traveler, opened up about his emotions regarding the absence of his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth. The Prince of Wales, 43, shared his heartfelt sentiments, revealing, “For me, Windsor is her.” This touching moment between Prince William and Levy took place inside Windsor Castle, a place deeply cherished by Queen Elizabeth.
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Reflecting on his loss, Prince William expressed, “I do miss my grandmother and my grandfather. It’s been quite a bit of change, so you do sort of — you think about them not being here anymore and particularly being in Windsor, for me Windsor is her.” Remembering Queen Elizabeth’s fondness for the castle, he continued, “She loved it here; she spent most of her time here.” Prince William’s desire to showcase Windsor Castle to Levy was driven by his wish to honour Queen Elizabeth’s memory and ensure her spirit was reflected in the tour.
Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth had an affinity for various royal residences, including Buckingham Palace and Balmoral Castle. However, it was in Windsor Castle that she spent significant time during her later years. This profound connection led to her final resting place being at St. George’s Chapel on the castle grounds. Prince William, alongside his wife Kate Middleton and their children, made Windsor their home in 2022, signifying the importance of this location to their family.
The visit to Windsor Castle was part of an episode titled “Living the Royal Life in the U.K.” on The Reluctant Traveler, where Levy was guided by Prince William himself. The light-hearted banter between them showcased a personal side of the royal family, with Prince William joking, “We provide this service for everyone. We do personalized tours everywhere.” In addition to the castle tour, Levy engaged in conversations with Prince William about overcoming personal challenges, including health issues faced by Kate Middleton and King Charles.
Sharing insights into his personal struggles, Prince William remarked, “I’d say ‘23-’24 was the hardest year I’ve ever had. You know, life is sent to test us and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are.” The upcoming episode promises an intimate exploration of the royal family’s life and challenges, offering viewers a glimpse beyond the public persona they often see.
Apple TV+ has announced that the episode featuring Prince William on The Reluctant Traveler will air on October 3, with subsequent episodes released weekly. The series, hosted by Eugene Levy, explores the concept of the ‘ultimate travel bucket list’ with special appearances from various guests, including celebrities like Michael Bublé and South Korean boy band NOWZ. This unique blend of travel and personal stories adds depth and intrigue to the show, inviting viewers to experience the world through the eyes of its hosts.
As Prince William continues to navigate his role within the royal family, his candid conversations and emotional reflections provide a glimpse into the personal struggles and triumphs faced by the future king. The deep affection he holds for Queen Elizabeth and the meaningful connection to Windsor Castle reflect the enduring legacy of the British monarchy. The Reluctant Traveler offers a rare opportunity to witness the royal family in a new light, showcasing their humanity and resilience amidst life’s challenges.