Denzel Washington appeared starstruck as he shook hands with King Charles III at the Gladiator II premiere at London’s Leicester Square.
The King, attending the screening at the Odeon Luxe Theatre solo on the eve of his 76th birthday, spoke with director Sir Ridley Scott, 86, and members of the cast on the red carpet.
In a footage recently shared from the royal performance, the film’s stars could be seen eagerly awaited their turn to meet the King.
When His Majesty reached Washington, after greeting Scott and lead Irish actor Paul Mescal, 28, the Training Day actor looked slightly flustered, admitting he was uncertain about the correct handshake etiquette with royalty.
The Oscar-winning actor quipped: “I didn’t know if I was supposed to grab you or not. But it’s my pleasure.”
The actor also recalled that King Charles took the opportunity to ask him about his role as the villainous Macrinus in the cinematic sequel.
Washington said: “’I’m just an awful… I’m a lovely man, you’ll see’” before adding with a sarcastic grin, “I’m a lovely chap.”
Impressed by Washington’s career, the royal remarked during their interaction, “You’ve been in so many films, it’s fantastic” to which he replied, “Thank you, thank you.”
The event was held in aid of the Film and TV Charity, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and marks the first premiere Charles has attended as King.
The Queen, who was originally due to attend the red carpet event, did not accompany her husband as she continues her recovery from a chest infection.
Camilla did attend the event at the palace earlier, but left early.
The second film tells the story of Lucius Verus, who originally appeared in the film as a child and is now played by Mescal.
Lucius escaped capture after the fall of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) in the original Oscar-winning movie and joined the fight against the Roman Empire’s expansion.
In the fight to defend his wife, Lucius is captured and placed into slavery by the forces of Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal) and subsequently becomes a gladiator after being bought by Macrinus (Washington), and seeks revenge.
