mainly because of the loss of his dad & being banished from the pridelands. it was too much at once for such a young age.

^agree. And then Kovu, but his life was most difficult during his teenage/adult years, not so much his childhood.

simba lost his father and had to get out of the pridelands. he lived believing that he is guilty for his father's death.

By far. His father died when he was just a cub, he believed it was his fault he died & he knew if he went back home he would be killed. Second Nalas, because she lost her best friend & she had to live under Scars empire.

Also Kovu (and Nuka and Vitani), then Nala.

Next Nala, then Kovu :P

Simba for sure. He saw his father death in front of him, blamed for something that's not his fault at all, forced to leave his home, and live with guilt for the rest of his childhood.
for the second, I'll say Nala. Losing such a great leader and her best friend plus living under Scar's tyranny is not an easy childhood either.

Couldn't agree more!! ^^^ I would say

1) Simba
2) Nala
3) Kovu
4) Kiara although Kiara had a super cushiony childhood with both of her parents being there and all she was just devoid of any friends which can definitely take it's toll especially if you are as extroverted as she was but I still believe the others had it worse off!

Kovu because he was raised to be a killer. How he did NOT end up killing all the other lions I DON'T KNOW.

Seriously someone has MUMMY ISSUES!