Prince WIlliam has gained a bit of a reputation for being stuffy, overly formal and somewhat aloof, especially when compared to his younger brother, Prince Harry.
But it is a whole new side of the Prince of Wales which will be on show when he joins Eugene Levy on an episode of The Reluctant Traveler which premieres on October 3.
In an era when few ever get to see behind the gilded veneer of palace gates, William’s openness, vulnerability and humour makes this episode definitely worth splashing out on an subscription to Apple TV+.
What is The Reluctant Traveler about?
The Reluctant Traveler follows Canadian actor Eugene Levy as he goes on adventures around the world.
The beloved star of Schitt’s Creek admits he is “not fond of traveling” and is more of a “great indoors type of guy.”
With pooch Orla in tow, the pair get acquainted inside the grounds of Windsor Castle. (Credit: Apple TV+)
In the Apple TV+ series he is continually forced outside of his comfort zone, making for heartwarming and hilarious moments.
Famous for his deadpan delivery, Eugene makes no attempt to even pretend that he’s getting enjoyment out of many of the things he tries.
His experiences have included going dog-sledding, visiting a rainforest and getting up close with an elephant.
“Eight billion people would kill to be doing this,” he told CNN. “But there’s an honesty about being able to say, ‘I truly didn’t enjoy that.’”
In Season 3, Eugene gets an invite to go on a guided tour at Windsor Castle.
What happens when Prince WIlliam appears on The Reluctant Traveler?
From the moment he whizzes in on an electric scooter, it is clear we are seeing a different WIlliam to the one the public has grown used to.
But this mode of transport wasn’t chosen to make him appear funny or relatable, this is how the prince actually gets around the grounds of Windsor Castle from his nearby home.
Over a beer, William opens up about difficult moments in his life. (Credit: Apple TV+)
With his black Cocker Spaniel Orla in tow, William gives Eugene his own personal guided tour around the Castle before inviting him to the pub for a beer.
“Do you miss your grandmother?” Eugene asks the prince as they explore the late Queen Elizabeth’s former home.
“I do actually, yeah. I do miss my grandmother and my grandfather,” William responds.
“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. She loved it here; she spent most of her time here. Showing you around today is very much a case of trying to make sure I’m doing it in the way she’d want you to see it.”
Over a pint, Eugene was left “honestly surprised” by how candid William became as he opened up on his life.
The Princess of Wales spent much of 2024 on sick leave as she was treated for an undisclosed form of cancer that is now in remission.
“I’d say 2024 was the hardest year I’ve ever had,” William explained. “You know, life is sent to test us as well, and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are.”
Why should you sign up to Apple TV+ to watch The Reluctant Traveler?
Beyond this episode, titled Living the Royal Life in the UK, The Reluctant Traveler is a gem of a series that offers plenty of laughs and plenty of heart.
But in a world where the Windsor family image is tightly controlled, and they are often seen but seldom heard, seeing William open up makes for captivating viewing.
Whether you are a seasoned royal watcher or a casual observer, there is something compelling about watching the future King of England wear his heart on his sleeve.
The show proves to be a refreshing reminder that behind all of the pomp, pagenty and formality of royal life, William is just a husband and a father who is trying to do what’s best for his family.
And we all need a little reminding of that from time to time.
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Kylie Walters
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