Sir Ian McKellen stirred controversy after describing the late Queen Elizabeth II as “quite rude.” In an interview with a leading publication, McKellen remarked, “The Queen, I’m sure she was quite mad at the end… on the few occasions I met her, she was quite rude.” He then recounted one such encounter with the Queen.
McKellen recalled receiving the Companion of Honour for his acting in 2008, and during the ceremony, the Queen remarked, “You’ve been doing this for an awfully long time.”
McKellen replied, “Well, not as long as you,” which earned him a smile. However, she then asked, “Does anyone still actually go to the theatre?” McKellen found this comment offensive, adding, “That’s bloody rude when you’re giving someone a medal for acting. It felt like she was saying, ‘Does anyone care a f**k about you because I don’t.’”
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Sir Ian McKellen Asked To Return His Knighthood
In addition, McKellen shared his experience of shaking hands with the Queen, demonstrating how forcefully she pushed people away during the handshake. He said it conveyed the message, “Go! Go!”
During the interview, McKellen also expressed his support for Prince Harry, saying, “I’m most definitely on Harry’s side.”
He described the challenges of being born into the royal family, comparing it to a form of imprisonment where members cannot live normal lives. He also commented on Harry’s choices, suggesting he might not have had the right guidance, but hoped he had found the right partner.
McKellen’s remarks sparked backlash from royal commentators, with some suggesting he should return his knighthood. Royal biographer Margaret Holder, speaking to The Daily Express, said, “If Sir Ian feels so slighted by the Queen, he could consider returning his knighthood, although he might regret that decision later.”
McKellen was knighted in 1991 for his contributions to the performing arts, and in 2008, Queen Elizabeth II honored him as a Companion of Honour for his work in drama and equality.
Dickie Arbiter, the Queen’s spokesperson from 1988 to 2000, also criticized McKellen’s comments, stating, “Ian McKellen’s suggestion that the Queen was rude for asking if people were still going to the theatre was over the top.”
Arbiter explained that with theatres struggling due to high costs and low attendance, the Queen’s question was legitimate. He further questioned why McKellen would accept the honor if he felt insulted, calling the actor’s remarks a “snide attack” that was uncharacteristic of someone with McKellen’s standing.
