Emily Zemler
Updated on: October 8, 2024 7:30 am GMT
Sir Ian McKellen, the legendary actor known for his roles in iconic films such as “The Lord of the Rings,” has generated controversy following his candid remarks about the late Queen Elizabeth II. In a recent interview, McKellen criticized the Queen, labeling her as “bloody rude” and suggesting she was “quite mad” towards the end of her life. The statements have ignited discussions about royal etiquette, knighthood honors, and the pressures of royal life.
Criticism of the Queen’s Etiquette
During an interview with The Times, 85-year-old McKellen shared his experiences meeting Queen Elizabeth II over the years. He recounted one particular occasion in 2008 when he was awarded a Companion of Honour for his contributions to drama and equality. The actor recalled that during their conversation, the Queen made remarks he interpreted as dismissive. He claimed she said, “You’ve been doing this for an awfully long time,” to which he humorously replied, “Well, not as long as you.” However, he was taken aback when she followed up with the question, “Does anyone still actually go to the theatre?”
McKellen described this interaction as “bloody rude,” implying that the Queen’s comments suggested a lack of interest in his achievements. “It meant, ‘Does anyone care a f*** about you because I don’t. Now off you go!’” he said, demonstrating his frustrations with the royal interaction. He further claimed that the Queen’s handshake, which he noted was accompanied with a dismissive gesture, signified her desire for him to leave the conversation.
Reflections on Royal Life
In his reflection on royal life, McKellen sympathized with Prince Harry, who has faced significant challenges since stepping back from royal duties. He remarked that being born into the royal family resembles a life sentence, commenting, “These people are in prison. They can’t do anything normal.” McKellen also expressed his support for Prince Harry, saying that the Duke of Sussex “probably is not bright enough” to navigate the complexities of royal expectations, suggesting that even if he had the intelligence, he may lack the right guidance from friends.
The actor’s comments come in light of the ongoing discussions surrounding Prince Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” which has been a topic of public interest. McKellen’s comments, while supportive of Harry, carried a tone of disbelief towards the difficulties harbored by royal family members in maintaining their mental well-being.
Calls for McKellen to Return His Knighthood
Following his statements about the Queen, calls have emerged from royal experts suggesting that McKellen should consider returning his knighthood. Royal biographer Margaret Holder stated, “Perhaps if Sir Ian feels so slighted by the Queen he could consider returning his knighthood, although he may regret that in the future.” McKellen received his knighthood in 1991 for his services to the performing arts and was later appointed a Companion of Honour in 2008.
Criticism of McKellen’s comments extended from royal biographers who questioned the existence of any documented instances of the Queen displaying rudeness. Dickie Arbiter, a former spokesman for the Queen, challenged McKellen’s portrayal of their interactions, suggesting his acceptance of such honors contradicts his claims of disrespect.
Health and Recovery
Aside from his comments regarding the royal family, McKellen’s health has also been in the spotlight. He has been recuperating after suffering injuries from a fall off the stage during a performance at the Noel Coward Theatre in London. The actor was involved in a fight scene for a production adapted from Shakespeare’s “Henry IV.” Since the incident, he has been focusing on physical therapy to recover from his wrist and neck injuries, planning to take the remainder of the year off from acting.
Despite these challenges, McKellen has hinted at the possibility of returning to his famed role as Gandalf in an upcoming film adaptation of “The Lord of the Rings,” planned by Warner Bros. This potential return has sparked excitement among fans who have closely followed his illustrious career.
Cultural Impact and Public Reactions
The actor’s remarks have stirred a significant reaction from the public and media alike. Discussions around the propriety of McKellen’s criticisms and the implications for his knighthood have proliferated in social commentary. Fans have expressed mixed feelings online, with some supporting his candidness about royal interactions, while others argue that he should uphold the tradition associated with his honorary titles.
McKellen’s willingness to speak openly about his experiences reflects a broader cultural trend where public figures are increasingly transparent about their personal encounters, regardless of status or hierarchy. Such discourse fosters a challenging conversation about the expectations placed upon public figures, especially those in the royal family.
Royal Protocol and Public Perception
The discourse surrounding Sir Ian McKellen’s comments on Queen Elizabeth II touches upon larger themes of royal protocol and the public’s perception of the monarchy. The British royal family has long maintained a facade of decorum whilst engaging with the public and media. When figures within the arts or political arenas speak out against such established norms, it challenges the public’s understanding of the royal family’s humanity, thus igniting support and criticism alike.
As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen how the royal family will respond and whether McKellen’s remarks will influence perceptions of British honors, knighthoods, and their significance moving forward.
Today, many celebrities talk about important social issues and share their opinions. McKellen’s stories make us think more about respect, privilege, and the different sides of being in the public eye.
