In a recent interview with The Times, Sir Ian McKellen, the esteemed 85-year-old British actor, shared his unfiltered opinions on the British Royal Family, particularly focusing on Prince Harry. McKellen, currently recuperating from a stage accident that occurred 15 months ago, offered a candid perspective on the challenges of royal life and the individuals who navigate it.
McKellen expressed doubts about Prince Harry's ability to thrive within the royal framework, stating, "As for Harry, he's probably not bright enough or doesn't have the right friends to really help himself." Despite this critique, the actor affirmed his support for the Duke of Sussex, acknowledging the difficulties inherent in royal life.
The actor's comments extended to other members of the royal family. He described King Charles III as "clearly damaged" and suggested that the late Duke of Edinburgh was "deeply eccentric and... deeply unhappy." McKellen's observations appear to be influenced by his recent reading of Prince Harry's memoir, "Spare."
"Hats off to anyone who manages to stay sane in that world."
McKellen's critique wasn't limited to the current generation of royals. He recounted personal interactions with the late Queen Elizabeth II, describing her as "bloody rude" and "quite mad at the end." The actor shared an anecdote from receiving a medal for acting, where the Queen's comments left him feeling dismissed.
Sir Ian McKellen, knighted in 1991 and awarded a Companion of Honour medal in 2008, likened royal life to imprisonment. He empathized with the lack of normalcy in their lives, stating, "These people are in prison. They can't do anything normal. Can you imagine having to be nice to everyone you talk to?"
While recovering from his stage accident, McKellen has hinted at a possible return to his iconic role as Gandalf in a new Lord of the Rings film planned by Warner Bros. This potential comeback adds an intriguing element to the actor's current hiatus from acting.
Throughout his illustrious career, McKellen has been a trailblazer in both acting and advocacy. Coming out as gay in 1988, he co-founded Stonewall, a prominent LGBTQ+ rights lobby group in the UK. His contributions to the arts and equality have been recognized with numerous awards, including a Tony Award and six Laurence Olivier Awards.
As McKellen continues his recovery, his candid remarks about the royal family offer a unique perspective on the challenges faced by those born into the monarchy. His insights, coupled with his own experiences in the public eye, provide a thought-provoking commentary on the intersection of fame, duty, and personal happiness.