In a candid and unexpected revelation, Sir Ian McKellen has weighed in on the ongoing royal family drama, making his position clear: he’s firmly on Prince Harry’s side.
The veteran actor, known for his sharp wit and unapologetic views, doesn’t just hold strong opinions about the royal family’s public struggles—he also claims that Queen Elizabeth II was “quite rude” when they crossed paths.
As tensions within the monarchy continue to escalate, McKellen’s remarks offer a rare and unfiltered perspective on what life is really like behind the palace walls. With his characteristic honesty,
he doesn’t shy away from critiquing both the royals and the pressures they face, including the very personal toll the family’s turmoil has had on Prince Harry.
Sir Ian McKellen has not only expressed that he found the late Queen Elizabeth II to be “quite rude” during their encounter, but he has also openly shown his support for Prince Harry amid the ongoing tensions within the royal family.
“I’m most definitely on Harry’s side,” McKellen, 85, told The Times of London in a profile published on Friday, September 6. The actor made the statement while flipping through Harry’s memoir, Spare. He went on to say, “Imagine being born into the royal family. I’ve been in public life to some extent, but these people are in prison.”
He continued, “They can’t live a normal life. Can you imagine having to be polite to everyone you speak to?”
Harry, 39, is the second son of King Charles III and the late Princess Diana. While Harry spent a large part of his life as a senior member of the royal family, he and his wife, Meghan Markle, decided to step back from their royal duties in 2020 to lead a more private life.
The couple relocated from London to Montecito, California, where they are raising their children, Prince Archie (5) and Princess Lilibet (3). Since their departure, Harry and Meghan’s relationship with other royals, particularly Charles (75) and Harry’s elder brother Prince William (42), has become increasingly strained.
In a bombshell CBS interview in 2021, Harry revealed that the royal family had “cut him off financially,” leaving him to rely on the inheritance from his late mother, Princess Diana, to support his family. “Without that, we would not have been able to do this,” Harry said, referring to his decision to step away from royal duties.
Despite the tensions, Harry made it clear he still loved his family, though acknowledging the deep hurt that had occurred. He has since made healing the relationship with his family a priority.
Harry later claimed that Charles and William were involved in spreading false and damaging stories about Meghan and her family in the press.
Although the royal family has not publicly addressed Harry’s allegations, his relationship with his father has shown signs of healing. After King Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February, Harry made a surprise visit to see him. Harry later expressed his gratitude, saying on Good Morning America, “The fact that I was able to get on a plane and go see him and spend time with him, I’m grateful for that.”
A source revealed to Us Weekly that Charles was “extremely touched” by Harry’s gesture, hoping it might pave the way for a full reconciliation.
As for McKellen, he expressed admiration for those who can “stay sane” in the royal world. “Hats off to anyone who can… like the late Duke of Edinburgh, although even he was deeply eccentric and, I suspect, deeply unhappy. Same with the current king,” McKellen remarked. He added, “[Charles] sort of survives, but he’s clearly damaged. As for Harry, he’s probably not bright enough or doesn’t have the right friends to really help himself. Mind you, he had the pick of all the pretty women in the world. I hope he’s got the right one [in Meghan].”
In conclusion, Sir Ian McKellen’s candid comments shed light on the complexities of the royal family’s ongoing struggles, particularly his unwavering support for Prince Harry. McKellen’s perspective offers a unique insight into the pressures and limitations of life in the royal spotlight, emphasizing the emotional toll it takes on its members.
Despite the challenges, Harry’s attempts at mending his relationship with his family, particularly his father, King Charles, signal a glimmer of hope for reconciliation. Meanwhile, McKellen’s reflections on the royals’ personal difficulties reveal the deep emotional cost of their public roles, highlighting both the human struggles behind the headlines and the resilience required to navigate such a high-profile existence.