In a recent interview, renowned actor Ian McKellen opened up about his experiences with Queen Elizabeth II.
She Was Rude
The actor, who might be best known for his role as Gandalf in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy revealed that he does not have fond memories of their encounters, according to TAG24.
The 85-year-old actor described several instances where he found the Queen to be "rather rude."
Recalling their meetings, McKellen shared a particularly striking moment when the Queen attended a ceremony honoring his acting career.
During the event, she reportedly asked, "Is anyone still going to the theater?"
McKellen interpreted this remark as a dismissive jab, suggesting that she was questioning the relevance of his work and expressing a lack of interest in his contributions to the arts. “It was as if she was saying, ‘Does anyone care about you? I don’t, so leave,’” he reflected.
Strickt Royal Etiquette
Additionally, McKellen mentioned that toward the end of her life, the Queen seemed "quite mad," a comment that hints at the challenges she faced during her later years.
While McKellen expressed his criticisms of the royal family, he also showed empathy for their unique circumstances. "These people are in prison," he said, highlighting the pressure of adhering to strict royal etiquette.
He acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining composure under such scrutiny, stating, "Can you imagine having to be nice to everyone you talk to?"
As for King Charles III, McKellen noted that he appears "unhappy" but is managing to cope with his royal duties. “He survives somehow, but he’s clearly damaged,” McKellen remarked, providing a candid perspective on the challenges faced by the British monarchy.
