‘The Reluctant Traveler’ Is An Unusual PR Move For The British Royal Family
The British Royal Family is not typically known for their openness when it comes to appearances in the media — interviews are sanitized, statements are pre-prepared and official broadcasts retain a formal tone; The Reluctant Traveler is entirely different. Instead of presenting Windsor Castle as an out-of-touch spectacle, the Prince “invites” Levy into a warm family home, sharing stories and childhood memories. This personal approach removes the historic distance between the Royals and their public, signaling a deliberate and modern PR shift. In an age where audiences crave authenticity and connection, the Prince appears to understand the value of accessibility, drawing a subtle line between the job and the family inheriting the work. While Apple TV+ will have organized this meeting meticulously, Eugene Levy seems genuinely surprised throughout, as though he can’t quite believe how candid the Prince is being. There’s a knowing sparkle in the Prince’s eye that suggests that he may have planned this approachable and reflective tone all along. It almost feels as if he wanted to grant the unknowing Levy, who he reportedly admires from American Pie, a rare and unexpected scoop.
It’s Not A Coincidence That Prince William Choose Streaming Royalty Apple TV+
There is always heavy scrutiny on the British Royals but over the last few years, social media speculation has been rife. Their history, influence, and relationships interest people from all over the world, and it came as no surprise that, with the advent of streaming, the Royals were looked at once again for profitable content. The Queen (2006), writer Peter Morgan developed The Crown for Netflix in 2016, which dramatized the reign of Queen Elizabeth II across 60 glossy episodes. The series had an irresistible blend of fact and emotional fiction that caused concern among critics. Even Dame Judi Dench called for Netflix to include a disclaimer at the beginning of each episode to stop viewers from being misled and the Royal Family from being misrepresented.
One reason The Reluctant Traveler was an ideal series for Prince William to reveal a more candid side of himself lies in its home: Apple TV+. The streamer has built a reputation for prestige and quality storytelling with shows such as Severance and The Studio — just look at this year’s Emmy nominations. Whereas Netflix thrives on often mass-appealing content, Apple’s brand leans toward authenticity. The partnership allows William to appear open and relatable but still in a high-quality and controlled environment. It’s hard to imagine him achieving the same effect on Netflix, where his honest comments might easily be drowned out by the Royal buzz already on the platform.
Only Eugene Levy Could Have Achieved This Interview With Prince William
Fans of The Reluctant Traveler will recognize the same warmth that comes through when Levy travels with his daughter, Sarah Levy. The pair previously worked together on Schitt’s Creek alongside his son Dan Levy, playing Twyla Sands and David Rose respectively. Eugene Levy’s brand is family-orientated, a proud Dad, and husband — he embodies values that resonate with the Prince of Wales, making him the perfect conduit for this new style of Royal interview. The pair had undeniable chemistry from their very first meeting — Prince William turning up on a scooter must have instantly made Levy think, “This is someone I could have a pint with.” At the pub, the duo discussed usually off-limits topics such as supporting Catherine the Princess of Wales, and King Charles III, with their cancer diagnoses. Levy looks both delighted and mystified to hear Prince William share his hopes for the future. However, it is because of Levy’s own wholesome brand, that the Prince appears comfortable sharing such intimate details with him, rather than with a traditional journalist.
