A former Royal aide has shared a poignant look into the impact of the Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnosis on her devoted husband. In an exclusive TV interview last week, Jason Knauf, who is a trusted friend of the Prince of Wales, disclosed that it was “the lowest” he’d ever seen William in the wake of the harrowing news that shook their lives. Kate has openly discussed the challenging period for her family and the stark realisation that “life as you know it can change in an instant”.

Jason provided a unique window into Prince William’s private struggles following Kate’s diagnosis, a contrast to the composed and steadfast image he maintains publicly. Jason, who served as press secretary to William, Kate, Harry, and later Meghan from 2015 to 2019, and then as CEO of William and Kate’s Royal Foundation until his departure in 2021, spoke to 60 Minutes Australia about a heart-to-heart with William after learning both his wife and his father, King Charles, were battling cancer.

“Within a couple of weeks, you find out that both your wife and your father have cancer… It was awful, absolutely awful,” he recounted, sharing details from a personal conversation with William amidst the distressing developments. “It’s the lowest I’ve ever seen him.” The emotional toll on William is not difficult to fathom, especially considering how he reflected at the end of last year on the trials of 2024, admitting to journalists in South Africa that it had been the “hardest” year of his life.

Royal commentator Jennie Bond has echoed sentiments that the dual health crises of his wife and father have been incredibly difficult for William, a sentiment sharply underscored by Jason’s recent remarks. “Although William has told us that last year was brutal, we’ve only been able to imagine his despair when the call came through to tell them Catherine had cancer,” Jennie shared. She continued: “But now Jason Knauf has brought home the reality of the situation, recounting how he had never seen William so down. It was clearly a really shocking day for them.”

The journey following a cancer diagnosis is arduous, as Jennie pointed out, “Then, the reality of the treatment and the prognosis sinks in. The side-effects of the treatment were obviously physically wearing, and then both Catherine and William had to deal with the mental pressures of it all – and of having to navigate how to tell the children and protect them.”

When the Princess of Wales went public with her cancer diagnosis on 22 March, she emphasised the importance of informing their three children – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six – before making a broader announcement. “This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” she expressed.

Kate, who had abdominal surgery in January last year, revealed, “As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.”

And after completing chemotherapy, the 43 year old poignantly revealed last September, “Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.” Jennie added, “No one remains unchanged by a cancer experience. For William and Catherine, every moment with each other and the children is now even more precious. The experience, as Catherine mentioned, alters one’s life perspective, leaving you more vulnerable.”

Still, Jennie is convinced that despite the life-altering events of the past year, the princess and her family have emerged more resilient than before. “It certainly seems to me that they have come through it as an even stronger couple – and they were already a strong and extremely loving couple. The film Catherine narrated at the end of her treatment was defined by the love and support they showed for one another and for their children.”

Kate’s engagements this year suggest she’s eager to maintain a robust work schedule while also making time for family. Recently, she was spotted in a rare display of affection, holding hands with her husband at a Welsh railway station. The couple were all smiles as they prepared Welsh cakes ahead of St David’s Day, marking their first joint engagement in over a year.

The public’s warm reception is testament to the joy people feel seeing her back and looking radiant after stepping back from Royal duties for her recovery journey. “Catherine is looking fantastic and seems to be enjoying every engagement,” commented Jennie. “It certainly appears that she’s regained her spark and, despite being told this is a gradual return to Royal duties, we’re seeing more of her than many anticipated so early in the year. Furthermore, the welcome she receives wherever she goes must surely make her realise that she is the star of the Royal family.”