Veteran actor Sir Ian McKellen has criticized the late Queen Elizabeth II, describing her as 'quite rude' during their interactions. He recalled an instance where, upon receiving a medal for acting, the Queen questioned whether people still attended the theatre, which McKellen found disrespectful. He also described her handshake as a dismissive gesture, implying she wanted him to leave. McKellen expressed sympathy for Prince Harry's departure from royal duties, stating that life within the royal family is like a prison. He suggested that King Charles III and the late Duke of Edinburgh were 'deeply unhappy' and 'damaged' by their roles. Despite his critique, McKellen remains supportive of Harry, albeit questioning his intelligence and choice of friends.