The actor Sir Ian McKellen, well known for his roles as the wizard Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and as Magneto in ‘X-Men,’ made a negative comment about the late Queen Elizabeth, sparking a wave of criticism against him.
In 1991, the monarch conferred upon him the title of knight for his services to the performing arts and in 2008, she granted him the appointment of Companion of Honor for his services to theater and equality. However, the renowned actor does not have a very good opinion of her, as he described her as "very rude."
“I am sure that in the end (the queen) was very angry. And on the few occasions I met her, she was quite rude. When I received a medal for acting, she said to me: ‘You’ve been doing this for a long time.’ I replied: ‘Well, not as long as you.’ She gave me a big smile, but then said: ‘Is there anyone still going to the theater?’ That is very rude when you are giving someone a medal for acting. It meant: ‘Does anyone care about you? Because I don't. Now go away’,” Sir Ian McKellen expressed in an interview with The Times.
Sir Ian McKellen and the criticism for his comments about Queen Elizabeth II
Sir Ian McKellen's comment about Queen Elizabeth II sparked a controversy against him. Supporters of the monarch challenged him, asking why he doesn't return the titles she bestowed upon him if he has such a negative opinion of her.
"Perhaps if Sir Ian felt so undervalued by the queen, he could consider returning his knighthood, although he may regret it in the future," Margaret Holder, a royal biographer, told the Daily Express.
Dickie Arbiter, former official spokesperson for the late queen, stated that Sir Ian McKellen was "rude and exaggerated" when referring to Queen Elizabeth II.
"If that's what he thought, why did he accept the honor? It was a sarcastic attack that was not expected from such an intelligent man. The question is: 'Did the late queen really say that?' and if so, why bring it up now? A low blow," Arbiter questioned.