Additional Coverage:
- Ian McKellen Says He’s ‘Most Definitely’ on Prince Harry’s Side in Royal Family Feud (usmagazine.com)
Sir Ian McKellen recently shared his thoughts on the royal family’s ongoing drama, revealing that he supports Prince Harry and suggesting that the late Queen Elizabeth II was not very polite when they met.
In an interview with The Times of London, the 85-year-old actor stated, “I’m most definitely on Harry’s side,” while browsing through Prince Harry’s memoir *Spare*. He reflected on the challenges of being in the royal family, comparing it to a form of imprisonment, and acknowledging that royals cannot lead normal lives.
Prince Harry, 39, the second son of King Charles III and the late Princess Diana, ended his role as a senior working royal in 2020 along with his wife, Meghan Markle, to pursue a more private life. The couple, along with their children Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, relocated from London to Montecito, California. Their relationship with the rest of the royal family, particularly with King Charles and Harry’s older brother, Prince William, has continued to deteriorate.
In a striking 2021 CBS interview, Harry revealed that his family had cut him off financially in early 2020, forcing him to rely on the inheritance left by his mother, Princess Diana, for security.
Despite ongoing tensions, Harry expressed a desire to heal the rift within his family. He’s accused his father and brother of feeding unfavorable stories about Meghan to the British press.
While the royal family has not publicly addressed these allegations, Harry’s relationship with King Charles has seen some mending. Following Charles’s cancer diagnosis in February, Harry made an unplanned visit to spend time with his father, which the king reportedly found very touching.
Reflecting on the royals’ ability to cope with their strict environment, McKellen commended those who manage to stay sane. He acknowledged the late Duke of Edinburgh and suggested that both he and King Charles have faced considerable challenges. McKellen punctuated his remarks by expressing hope that Harry found the right partner in Meghan, while also casting doubt on Harry’s ability to navigate his situation.
Photos included in the article show Ian McKellen and Prince Harry along with members of the royal family.