Prince William has strategically entered the world of lifestyle content streaming, featuring on Eugene Levy’s Apple TV+ show “The Reluctant Traveler.” This appearance marks the initial phase of a broader media strategy aimed at connecting with audiences beyond the traditional royal demographic.
The Prince of Wales hosted actor Eugene Levy at Windsor Castle for an episode that debuted on October 3, 2025. During this candid interview, William shared his vision for the monarchy and insights into his family life. He expressed his intent to modernize the institution while respecting tradition, arriving at the castle on an electric scooter and introducing Levy to the family’s dog, Orla.
William spoke about his aspirations for positive change when he ascends to the throne, focusing on challenging outdated practices. “There are lots of things to think about with that,” he remarked during the show. “But obviously, I want to create a world in which my son is proud of what we do, a world and a job that actually does impact people’s lives for the better.”
The future king also reflected on the difficulties he and his brother, Prince Harry, encountered growing up under intense royal scrutiny. He expressed hope that his own children would not face similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of balancing royal history with a forward-thinking approach, particularly concerning media intrusion.
According to Radar Online, William’s appearance is part of a larger plan to engage with audiences through lifestyle content, a field he sees as both profitable and effective for outreach beyond traditional circles. An insider described this step as part of a broader strategy to present William in a polished and aspirational manner.
William’s timing in entering the lifestyle content arena has allegedly caused friction with his sister-in-law, Meghan Markle, who recently launched her own Netflix series, “With Love, Meghan.” Sources report that Meghan is displeased, interpreting William’s move as competitive. It is suggested that she is particularly frustrated by the positive reception of William’s interview compared to her own content.
Meghan’s show, “With Love, Meghan,” did not initially make Netflix’s Top 10 but later climbed to the 10th spot, accumulating 12.6 million viewer hours in its first full week. The show received mixed reviews, with some critics labeling it as lackluster. A segment featuring Meghan repackaging pretzels was humorously critiqued by late-night host Jimmy Fallon.
Despite the mixed reception, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos defended Meghan’s impact on the Aspire with Emma Grede podcast, highlighting her ability to drive consumer interest. He noted that products featured in Meghan’s content sold out globally after appearing on screen.
Sarandos described the original Harry and Meghan documentary as a top-performing Netflix project. He emphasized that Netflix’s partnership with Meghan is part of a strategy to leverage her influence, which extends beyond traditional entertainment into her lifestyle brand, As Ever.
William’s choice of Apple TV+ over a British broadcaster was reportedly strategic, allowing him to enter the lifestyle space uniquely. According to sources, this move signals William’s readiness to engage with modern media platforms on his terms, aiming to present himself as both relatable and globally pertinent.
During the interview, William shared personal details, revealing that his children do not have mobile phones and that 2024 was a challenging year due to health issues faced by his father, King Charles, and his wife, Kate Middleton. He expressed pride in their resilience and discussed the impact these health challenges had on his family.
William also spoke about his struggles with punctuality, his formal relationship with his grandparents, and his efforts to protect his family from excessive media attention. He emphasized his commitment to avoiding past mistakes related to media scrutiny during his parents’ divorce.
Royal insiders highlight William’s understanding of the necessity to engage with modern media. He views lifestyle content as a means to influence public perception and connect with audiences through carefully curated media appearances.
The differing approaches of William and Meghan create a new dynamic in the ongoing family rivalry. While Harry and Meghan have developed their media presence from the United States, William is pursuing a similar path from Windsor, using global platforms to reach international audiences while maintaining his royal duties.
William’s decision to use Apple TV+ marks a shift from traditional royal media engagements, aiming for a broader global audience. The format offers him more control over his public image, allowing him to showcase his values in a less formal context.
Netflix has renewed “With Love, Meghan” for a second season, including a holiday special planned for December 2025. The Sussexes have signed a new first-look deal with Netflix, allowing the platform to approve new projects before others. However, the financial details of this revised agreement have not been disclosed.