Prince William Hints at Monarchy Changes in Candid Interview

Prince William just dropped a bombshell. In a rare television appearance with actor Eugene Levy, the future King of England declared: "Change is on my agenda." And he didn't stop there. He admitted 2024 was "the hardest year of my life," revealed he rides an electric scooter around Windsor Castle, and opened up about his wife Kate's cancer battle in a way we've never seen from a royal before.

The interview, which aired on Apple TV+'s "The Reluctant Traveler," has been described by BBC senior royal correspondent Daniela Relph as the "most open Prince William has ever been." And it's sparked a global conversation about what the monarchy will look like under King William V.

William, worth an estimated £1.5 billion thanks to the Duchy of Cornwall, told Levy he wants a "smaller R in royal" and refuses to be "suffocated" by history. He's questioning everything—from how things are done at the Duchy to what traditions still "fit for purpose today."

But the most emotional moment came when William opened up about the "brutal" year his family endured, with both his father King Charles and his wife Kate Middleton battling cancer at the same time. "I'd say 2024 was the hardest year I've ever had," he admitted. "Life is sent to test us as well, and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are."

What Prince William Revealed: The Key Takeaways

William sat down with Eugene Levy—yes, the "American Pie" and "Schitt's Creek" star—for a candid conversation that broke every royal protocol. Here's what we learned:

• "Change is on my agenda": William made it crystal clear he won't be a traditional king. "I don't fear change, that's the bit that excites me, the idea of being able to bring some change. Not overly radical, but changes that I think need to happen."
• He rides an electric scooter: William arrived to meet Levy on an e-scooter he uses to get around Windsor Castle. Veteran broadcaster David Dimbleby called it a "bright idea" that makes William look like an "ordinary Joe."
• 2024 was "brutal": William admitted the year was the hardest of his life, as both his father and wife fought cancer. "Honestly? It's been dreadful," he said. "I'm so proud of my wife, I'm proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done."
• He's questioning traditions: "There are points when you look at tradition and go, is that still fit for purpose today? Is that still the right thing to do?"
• His kids don't have phones: William revealed that none of his children—George, Charlotte, and Louis—currently have their own phones. Something he and Kate are "strict about."
• His drink of choice is sweet cider: When the pair went to the pub, William ordered a pint of sweet cider.

Why This Interview Matters: William's Vision for the Monarchy

This wasn't just another royal interview. According to BBC senior royal correspondent Daniela Relph, this was "the most open Prince William has ever been."

The choice of interviewer was deliberate. William told Levy he was a fan of his and had loved watching the "American Pie" films. There were no formal settings, no briefing notes, no experienced journalists with weeks of preparation. Just William walking his dog, driving an e-scooter, and chatting at the pub.

And it worked. William was more relaxed, more open, and more human than we've ever seen him. He spoke about wanting to ensure his children don't face the media scrutiny he and Prince Harry endured. He talked about the pressure of balancing home and work life. He admitted he "couldn't be less relaxed this year."

The message is clear: William wants to modernize the monarchy. Not radically—he's not abolishing the coronation or Trooping the Colour—but he's questioning everything else.

One palace staffer told the BBC: "He's not afraid to ask questions about how and why things are done. If the answer is because that's how we've always done it then he just won't accept it."

Who is Eugene Levy and Why Did William Choose Him?

Eugene Levy is a Canadian actor and comedian best known for his roles in the "American Pie" films and the hit TV show "Schitt's Creek." He's also the host of Apple TV+'s "The Reluctant Traveler," a travel series that sees him exploring destinations around the world.

William, a self-confessed fan of the "American Pie" films, chose Levy because he wanted a different kind of interview. The informal setting at Windsor Castle, combined with Levy's lighthearted approach, allowed William to open up in a way he never has before.

In the show, Levy visits London "for a taste of royalty," receives a handwritten letter from William, and gets a personal tour of Windsor Castle. The pair then head to the pub for a pint, where William shares his most personal revelations.

"We provide this service for everyone. We do personalised tours everywhere," William joked as he showed Levy around.

What This Means for the Royal Family

William's comments come at a time when the monarchy is under increasing pressure to prove its relevance. David Dimbleby, the veteran broadcaster, recently said William is trying to save the monarchy by appearing like an "ordinary Joe."

The social media posts that William and Kate share to their 17.1 million followers show them off-duty, in woods, on sand dunes, with their children. It's a deliberate strategy to connect with young people who view the institution as old-fashioned.

But William's reforms go deeper than social media. He's already made changes at the Duchy of Cornwall, leaving "no stone unturned" in terms of how it's run. There's new leadership, a focus on social action, and a very involved prince.

When he's king, one palace source said, William will be "deep in the roots of the management of Monarchy HQ."

Don't expect the big stuff to change dramatically. There will still be a coronation. Trooping the Colour and Remembrance Sunday will remain fixed. But William as king will have his own way of doing things.

Shop Royal-Approved Products (That William Would Actually Use)

Prince William may be worth £1.5 billion, but he's surprisingly down-to-earth. Here are products that would fit right in at Windsor Castle—available on Amazon.

1. Segway Ninebot KickScooter

William rides an electric scooter around the castle grounds, making him the coolest king-in-waiting since, well, ever. This Segway model is the closest you can get to royal transport without a palace.

2. Thatchers Sweet Cider

William's drink of choice during his pub chat with Levy? A pint of sweet cider. Bring the royal experience home with the UK's most popular cider brand.

3. Stanley Classic Vacuum Mug

William's "ordinary Joe" persona includes a love for practical gear. Keep your drink hot or cold with the iconic Stanley mug—royal-approved durability.

4. Kindle Paperwhite

William and Kate are known to be avid readers. The Kindle Paperwhite is perfect for royal reading—discreet and packed with books.

5. Le Creuset Dutch Oven

When William and Kate aren't at royal engagements, they're reportedly cooking at home. Le Creuset is the gold standard in kitchenware—fit for a future king.

6. Dyson Ball Animal Vacuum

With three kids and two dogs (Orla and Sooty), William and Kate need serious cleaning power. Dyson is the vacuum brand for people who don't compromise.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prince William's Interview

Final Verdict from YEET Magazine

Prince William's interview with Eugene Levy was a masterclass in royal rebranding. By choosing an informal setting, a Hollywood actor, and a relaxed tone, William showed us a side of the monarchy we've never seen before.

He's not afraid of change. He's not afraid to question tradition. And he's not afraid to show vulnerability—admitting 2024 was "brutal" and that he "couldn't be less relaxed this year."

William is preparing for his reign, and he's doing it on his own terms. The monarchy is about to get a major makeover—and from what we've seen, it's going to be a modern, relevant, and human institution.

But William isn't the only one making changes. He's also focused on being the best father he can be, ensuring his children don't face the same media scrutiny he did. And he's doing it with Kate by his side—stronger than ever after her cancer battle.

One thing is clear: King William V will be unlike any monarch we've seen before. And that's exactly the point.

Ready to live like a future king? Shop the products William would actually use—available now on Amazon.