Change is on my agenda: Prince William reveals family fears and the need to modernise monarchy

Prince William revealed that family took centrestage for him when his wife Kate and father King Charles III got ill, adding that he would modernise the monarchy when he succeeds the throne.

The British heir said he sometimes feels "overwhelmed" by family matters and promised to keep his children away from excessive media intrusion. The comments came while speaking to Eugene Levy for the Canadian actor's TV travel show.

"Worry or stress around the family side of things, that does overwhelm me quite a bit," the 43-year-old told the "Schitt's Creek" star.

Challenges of a royal job and a family

"When it’s to do with family and things like that, then that’s where I start getting a bit overwhelmed - as I think most people would, because it’s more personal."

Both Kate and the king, who is 76 years old, began treatment for cancer last year. Price William said it had been the hardest year for him even as his wife is now in remission.

"Life is sent to test us and it definitely can be challenging at times, and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are. I’m so proud of my wife and my father, for how they’ve handled all of last year. My children have managed brilliantly as well," he said.

It is not everyday that the Prince makes such candid remarks.

However, there were a few light-hearted moments, too, during the talk. The prince said he was a big fan of Levy's bawdy "American Pie" comedy films, but he also spoke about life as a royal and his vision for the future.

William spoke about the excessive press coverage of the break-up of the marriage of his father and his late mother, Princess Diana, saying the media had been "in everything, literally everywhere".

"The damage it can do to your family life is something that I vowed would never happen to my family," he said. "And so, I take a very strong line about where I think that line is, and those who overstep it, you know I’ll fight against," he added.

He revealed that he did not think much of becoming a king but said he plans to perform the role differently.

"I think it’s safe to say that change is on my agenda. Change for good. That’s the bit that excites me, the idea of being able to bring some change. Not overly radical change, but changes that I think need to happen," William said.

The episode of "The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy" featuring William is set to air on Apple TV+ on Friday.

(With inputs from Reurters)