Additional Coverage:
- Ian McKellen says late Queen Elizabeth II was ‘quite rude’ and Prince Harry is ‘not bright enough’ to survive royal life (newsbreak.com)
Sir Ian McKellen, the esteemed British actor, recently shared candid thoughts about the British royal family in an interview with The Times of London. McKellen, known for his roles in “The Lord of the Rings,” described the late Queen Elizabeth II as “quite rude.”
He recounted a past encounter where he received a medal for acting, and the Queen commented on his long career by asking, “Does anyone still actually go to the theatre?” McKellen interpreted the question as dismissive and rude.
He also demonstrated how the Queen shook his hand, which he felt was a gesture to quickly send him off. Despite these interactions, McKellen was knighted in 1991 and made a Companion of Honour in 2008 by the Queen for his contributions to drama and equality.
Reflecting on his knighthood, he mentioned that although he considered rejecting the title, he was convinced by his friend, actor Michael Cashman, of its potential benefits. Ultimately, McKellen acknowledged that being a knight opened many doors for him.
In the same interview, McKellen voiced support for Prince Harry amid his estrangement from the royal family. The actor, who had a copy of Harry’s 2023 memoir “Spare,” expressed empathy for the difficulties of royal life and supported Harry’s departure from royal duties and move to America with Meghan Markle. However, McKellen also remarked that Harry might not be “bright enough” to navigate royal life successfully, attributing challenges to both intelligence and a lack of supportive friends.
McKellen is currently recovering after a fall during a performance of “Player Kings” in London’s West End. He expressed gratitude to fans and medical staff for their support and treatment, assuring that he expects a full and speedy recovery and looks forward to returning to work.
For further details, you can check the original article on Business Insider.