Sir Ian McKellen Under Fire for Slamming Late Queen
Sir Ian McKellen is being urged to ditch his knighthood after branding the late Queen Elizabeth II “rude” and “quite mad” in a jaw-dropping interview with The Times. The veteran actor’s blistering remarks have sent royal fans and experts into a furious uproar.
‘Bloody Rude’ Queen? McKellen’s Shock Claim
McKellen, knighted in 1991 and honoured as a Companion of Honour in 2008, recalled a chilling moment with the monarch. The Queen allegedly said to him, “You’ve been doing this for an awfully long time.” His cheeky reply: “Well not as long as you.” But then came the stinger—“Does anyone still actually go to the theatre?”
The actor slammed the comment as “bloody rude,” portraying the Queen as out-of-touch and sharp-tongued.
Call to Return Knighthood Intensifies
Royal biographer Margaret Holder didn’t hold back, telling The Daily Express:
“Perhaps if Sir Ian feels so slighted by the Queen, he could consider returning his knighthood, although he may regret that in the future.”
Meanwhile, the Queen’s former spokesman Dickie Arbiter, who served from 1988 to 2000, blasted McKellen for accepting the honour if he harboured such bitterness.
Other royal insiders, like biographer Christopher Wilson, have also cast doubt on whether the awkward exchange ever actually happened.
Silence from McKellen as Backlash Grows
Despite the fury sparked by his comments, Sir Ian McKellen has yet to face the music or respond to the clamour demanding he hand back his knighthood.
