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The Prince of Wales has described the past year as the "hardest year" of his life.

Speaking to reporters at the end of his visit to South Africa, Prince William talked about how he has coped after both his wife and his father were diagnosed with cancer, the BBC reported.

"It's been dreadful. It's probably been the hardest year in my life. So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult," he said after being asked how his year has been after a difficult year for the Royal Family.

Buckingham Palace revealed the King had cancer in February and would begin treatment. Just six weeks later it was announced the Princess of Wales was undergoing chemotherapy after a cancer diagnosis.

The King has since returned to public duties and Catherine has finished chemotherapy treatment.

Prince William said: "I'm so proud of my wife, I'm proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done.

"But from a personal family point of view, it's been brutal.”

On Friday, royal author Robert Hardman told the BBC's Today programme the prince's admission was part of a greater sense of the royal family "resetting the dial" on their public image.

He also referenced the recent documentaries the Prince of Wales and the Queen have participated in, saying the monarchy had had "an extraordinary year".