Prince William voiced his determination to learn from his past and avoid repeating the same “mistakes” made by his parents during an appearance on comedian and actor Eugene Levy’s AppleTV+ series “The Reluctant Traveler” on Friday.
On Aug. 28, 1996, the late Princess Diana and then Prince Charles finalized their divorce. At the time, William was 14 years old. Now, years later, he said he’s intent on doing things differently for the sake of his own family — his wife Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, and their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
William stayed with the theme of “change for good,” particularly in relation to the monarchy and family life, when talking to Levy.
According to People, Levy asked William what kind of change he hoped to implement with his own family unit, to which the royal emphasized the importance of a sense of normalcy, a value he attributes to his late mother.
“I think it’s really important that that atmosphere is created at home. You have to have that warmth, that feeling of safety, security, love,” William said.
He explained that this sense of security and love was present in his childhood, even amid the controversy that plagued Diana’s and Charles’ marriage.
“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 stated. “I think we all try and do that and I just want to do what’s best for my children, but I know that the drama and the stress when you’re small really affects you when you’re older.”
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The Prince of Wales also pointed out the media’s “insatiable” appetite for bits and pieces of his family’s personal life — something he and Middleton actively work towards keeping their three children away from.
“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. And so, I take a very strong line about where I think that line is and those who overstep it, I’ll fight against,” William said.
During his time in London, Levey reflected on the interview, describing it as an “extremely memorable day” for him, and how he “didn’t know what to expect.”
“He really set the tone, to me. He set a very casual, informal tone right off the top,” Levy said. “[He] made me feel a lot better and comfortable. I think he, as the day went on, I was sensing he seemed quite comfortable with me as well, which was a nice feeling.”
Speaking on the “personal” nature of the topics, Levy added, “I believe [it was] information he wanted the world to hear.”
Afterwards, Levy said he walked away with the sense that William’s ascension to the throne could lead to a “reinvigorating monarchy.”
