Prince William invites Eugene Levy for Windsor tour, shares toughest year on Apple TV+ show

Prince William, heir to the British throne, invited Canadian actor Eugene Levy for a private tour of Windsor Castle in London, England. The meeting took place in January 2025 and is featured in the episode “Living the Royal Life in the UK” from the third season of The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy on Apple TV+. Levy, known for roles in Schitt’s Creek and American Pie, received a handwritten letter from the prince suggesting the visit.

During a walk in the castle gardens with the royal family’s dog Orla, the two discussed daily routines. William responded to Levy’s question about leisure at home with a laugh: “Sleep. With three young children, sleep is essential in my life.” The episode premieres on October 3, 2025.

Relaxed moment at a local pub

William and Levy extended the tour to a nearby pub, where they shared a pint. The prince jokingly asked if “getting drunk with Prince William” was on the actor’s travel bucket list. Levy, 78, replied that it would be the highlight of the experience.

The interaction showcases the prince’s approachable side, rarely seen on TV. They discussed travel and personal challenges in a casual setting.

Reflections on a challenging year

William described 2024 as “the hardest year I’ve ever had.” He attributed this to the cancer diagnoses of his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and his father, King Charles III, announced in February and the previous year, respectively. The prince emphasized that “life tests us, and overcoming it shapes who we are.”

Catherine shared in a video that the period was “extremely tough for the family.” William had previously discussed coping strategies in interviews.

The royal family prioritized privacy during treatments, with the king receiving outpatient care.

The episode avoids medical details, focusing on general resilience.

Eugene Levy’s career and recent successes

Eugene Levy has built a 50-year career in film and TV, earning Emmy awards for Schitt’s Creek, co-created with his son Daniel Levy. In 2024, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, 25 years after American Pie, alongside Jason Biggs, his “second son” from the film.

Levy became emotional tracing his Glasgow roots on the show, checking off travel bucket list items. At 78, he has evolved from a “homebody” to an enthusiastic explorer.

The third season, with eight weekly episodes until October 31, covers eight countries, including Austria, India, and Mexico.

Special guests in the season

The production features celebrities to enrich Levy’s journeys.

• Michael Bublé, Canadian singer, joins for a fun episode in Canada.
• Sarah Levy, the actor’s daughter and Schitt’s Creek co-star, participates in family adventures.
• Rahul Dravid, former Indian cricket star, guides explorations in India.
• K-pop band NOWZ livens up stops in South Korea.

Other guides include Eric Nam, a Korean-American singer, and Jofra Archer, an English cricketer, adding cultural depth to the narrative.

Evolution of the series and core themes

The Reluctant Traveler began in 2023 with Levy stepping out of his comfort zone, visiting hotels with unique views. In the third season, he focuses on a “definitive bucket list” before “kicking the bucket,” as he jokes in the trailer. The series promotes transformation through travel without pushing agendas.

Levy initially described himself as averse to travel but now embraces being an “avid traveler.” The episodes blend humor, history, and personal connections, like the royal tour.

The global premiere occurred on September 19, 2025, with two initial episodes on Apple TV+.