Ian McKellen Gets Honorary Degree From Cambridge, University Flies Gay Pride Flag To Celebrate

X-Men and Lord of the Rings star Sir Ian McKellen was given an honorary degree from Cambridge, with the university flying the gay pride flag in honour of the actor.

McKellen was one of seven people awarded doctorates by the institution, and was made a Doctor of Letters in recognition of his lengthy career as an actor and director. The star read English at St Catharine's College in the 1950s and tweeted and Facebooked a picture of himself at the university, with the rainbow flag in the background, writing: "I am now an honorary Doctor of Letters at Cambridge University UK. My old college St Catharine's celebrated by flying the rainbow flag."