Actor’s Comments Were Misinterpreted, Say Royal Experts
Paul Mescal’s recent remarks about meeting King Charles, which some interpreted as dismissive, have been clarified by a royal commentator who debunked the idea that the actor intended any disrespect.
Speaking at the L.A. premiere of Gladiator II, the Normal People star told Variety that meeting the monarch was “never something” on his “bingo cards.” He added, “I’m Irish, so it's not on the list of priorities, but it’s an amazing thing for Ridley [Scott] because I know how important that is for him.”
Royal commentator Gareth Russell explained that the comments had been “overblown” and were not meant as an insult. He noted, “Paul Mescal was simply clarifying his identity as Irish, not British, and emphasising that the meeting held significance for director Ridley Scott, who is British.”
Russell also pointed out that Mescal’s remarks reflect the frustration some Irish actors feel when they are mistakenly included among British talent. However, he stressed that Mescal’s words were not anti-monarchy or offensive to King Charles.
The actor’s pride in his Irish identity was evident, but his comments have since been contextualised as a neutral statement rather than a snub to Britain or its monarchy.
