In a candid interview, Sir Ian McKellen shares his thoughts on Prince Harry’s struggles, the late Queen’s demeanour, and the pressures of royal life.

Sir Ian McKellen, the celebrated actor known for his iconic roles and outspoken personality, has voiced his thoughts on Prince Harry and the challenges of royal life. In a recent interview with The Times, the 85-year-old actor reflected on the pressures faced by members of the British Royal Family, specifically Prince Harry, who stepped back from his royal duties in 2020. According to McKellen, Harry may not have had the “right friends” to support him and suggested that the Duke of Sussex is “probably not bright enough” to navigate the complexities of royal life.

“I’m definitely on Harry’s side,” McKellen said, acknowledging the difficulties faced by the Duke. He alluded to Harry’s memoir Spare, which he had been reading, and praised anyone who manages to maintain their sanity within the rigid confines of the royal institution.

McKellen went on to express empathy for other members of the Royal Family, including the late Duke of Edinburgh, whom he described as “deeply eccentric” and “unhappy,” and King Charles III, who, in McKellen’s view, has “survived but is clearly damaged.” These remarks highlight McKellen’s view that life within the monarchy is emotionally taxing and potentially harmful to those born into it.

Despite his harsh judgment of Prince Harry’s ability to cope with royal life, McKellen did praise him for his choice of partner, saying, “He had the pick of all the pretty women in the world. I hope he’s got the right one.”

McKellen also shared a surprising critique of the late Queen Elizabeth II, recalling several encounters with her that he found less than cordial. Having been knighted by the Queen in 1991 and awarded the Companion of Honour for services to drama and equality in 2008, McKellen had direct interactions with Her Majesty on multiple occasions. However, he recalled her as being “bloody rude” during these meetings.

In one instance, McKellen shared how the Queen commented, “You’ve been doing this for an awfully long time,” when presenting him with an acting medal. His quick-witted response, “Well, not as long as you,” earned him a royal smile, but the Queen followed up with what McKellen interpreted as a dismissive remark: “Does anyone still actually go to the theatre?” He found this particularly offensive, feeling as though she was belittling his career achievements in a moment meant to honour him.

McKellen also described the Queen’s handshake as a gesture used to dismiss him, demonstrating how she would extend her hand and then push him away, signalling the end of the interaction. Despite his criticism, McKellen acknowledged the difficulties of royal life, comparing it to a form of imprisonment, where family members are unable to live normal lives. “They can’t do anything normal,” he said. “Can you imagine having to be nice to everyone you talk to?”

The interview provided rare insight into McKellen’s personal experiences with the monarchy, as well as his reflections on the immense pressures faced by royal family members.

McKellen, a two-time Oscar nominee and legendary actor, is currently recovering from injuries sustained after a fall from the stage during a performance of Player Kings in London earlier this year. He plans to take the remainder of the year off but hinted at a potential return as the beloved wizard Gandalf in Warner Bros.’ upcoming Lord of the Rings film.

Analysis:

Political:

Sir Ian McKellen’s critique of Prince Harry touches on broader political themes surrounding the British monarchy’s role in modern society. His remarks suggest that the institution, despite its long-standing traditions, may not offer enough support or adaptability for those who wish to navigate it successfully. This echoes ongoing debates about the relevance of the monarchy in the 21st century and its ability to evolve with the times. McKellen’s suggestion that Harry may not have had the right friends to help him underscores the isolating nature of royal life, and how difficult it can be to find genuine support within a highly controlled environment.

His comments about Queen Elizabeth II being “rude” add another layer to the political discourse surrounding the monarchy, challenging the often-sacrosanct image of the late Queen. This critique raises questions about the personal interactions of high-ranking royals and how they manage their relationships with those outside the institution, even during formal occasions meant to honour individuals.

Social:

McKellen’s reflections on Prince Harry’s struggles within the royal family touch on broader societal themes of privilege, mental health, and support systems. His suggestion that Harry might not be “bright enough” or that he lacked the proper friends to help him cope with royal pressures aligns with discussions about the immense social expectations placed on public figures. McKellen’s own experience of feeling dismissed by Queen Elizabeth II also resonates with themes of respect and dignity in social interactions, particularly between the powerful and the celebrated.

Moreover, McKellen’s remarks about the Duke of Edinburgh and King Charles III surviving within the royal system, but at great personal cost, highlight the emotional toll that public life can take. This contributes to the ongoing conversation about mental health and well-being, especially for those who are constantly in the public eye.

Racial:

While McKellen did not directly address the racial issues surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s departure from the royal family, his comments about Harry’s inability to survive royal life could be indirectly related to the complexities of their situation. Meghan, a biracial woman, faced significant challenges within the royal family, as highlighted in their interview with Oprah Winfrey. McKellen’s focus on Harry’s struggle to find support could reflect the couple’s broader difficulties in navigating a system that has been slow to address issues of race and inclusion.

Gender:

McKellen’s remark about Harry having “the pick of all the pretty women” and hoping that he chose the right one reinforces traditional views of gender roles and relationships. His comment, while likely meant in a light-hearted manner, reflects outdated notions of women’s roles in men’s lives, especially within the context of high-profile marriages like that of Harry and Meghan. However, McKellen’s acknowledgement of the emotional toll that royal life can take on both men and women also underscores the changing expectations for both genders within institutions like the monarchy.

Economical:

McKellen’s comments did not directly address economic issues, but his portrayal of the monarchy as a “prison” for its members highlights the paradox of immense privilege paired with a lack of personal freedom. This contrast reflects broader economic discussions about wealth, power, and individual autonomy, particularly for those born into systems of hereditary privilege. The financial resources at the disposal of royal family members may not always equate to personal happiness or fulfilment, a theme that resonates with McKellen’s reflections on the royal family.