“Prince William: From Crown Prince to King”: This is how he overcomes his most difficult time

The British monarchy is once again going through turbulent times, and this time in the middle of it is Prince William (42), who will one day be the King of Great Britain. A new documentary by Leontine von Schmettow portrays the Prince of Wales in what is probably one of the most challenging phases of his life.

Since the beginning of the year, the 42-year-old has not only had to deal with the cancer of his father, King Charles III. (76), but also accompany his wife, Princess Kate (42), through her own cancer treatment. A situation that would push anyone to their limits – William has to master it under the eyes of the world.

Last year, Prince William faced the difficult balancing act between the necessary transparency and the protection of his family, especially his three small children, Prince George (11), Princess Charlotte (9) and Prince Louis (6). “Let as little out as possible, but as much as necessary,” was the motto. At the same time, he has to show his presence more than ever since his father is taking a step back due to illness.

Added to this stress test is the simmering conflict with his brother, Prince Harry (40). The fact that the two no longer have contact is likely to be a painful development for William, who once had a very close relationship with his younger brother.

However, the documentary does not just paint the picture of a man in crisis. She also portrays a committed royal who is passionate about climate action and mental health.

Companions such as his former private secretary Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton also describe a humorous, sports-loving person who is very aware of his future role as king. Through further conversations with people from William’s environment, including his former classmate Helen McArdle and the royal photographer Chris Jackson, a multi-faceted portrait of a modern heir to the throne emerges who wants to carefully lead the monarchy into the future – even if he is currently going through one of his most difficult personal times to do so Crises have to go.

In February 2024, King Charles was diagnosed with cancer, just nine months after his coronation. The news shocked the country.

And after an operation in January that was initially communicated as a “planned abdominal operation,” the shocking news followed in March: The Princess of Wales is also suffering from cancer and has to undergo chemotherapy. In September, Kate announced that her cancer treatment was over with a personal video message.

After periods of retreat of varying lengths, Charles and Kate are now making appointments in public again, but not nearly as many as before the diagnoses.

The documentary makes it clear: William is more than the future king. He is a family man who, like many other people, also experiences private worries and fears. The big difference: He has to do it under the lens of public scrutiny. A task that he has so far mastered with remarkable dignity.

The TV portrait “Prince William: From Crown Prince to King” (December 16, 8:25 p.m.) will be shown on Das Erste following the “Brennpunkt” on the subject of “Chancellor without trust” (8:15 p.m.).