Denzel Washington had a memorable meeting with King Charles at the Royal Film Performance of Gladiator II.

The monarch made a solo appearance at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square in London on Wednesday, November 13. one day before his 76th birthdayas Queen Camille recovered from a lung infection.

During the solo pledge supporting the film and television charity during its 100th anniversarythe king met the actors of the film, including Washington, 69, stunned.

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Video sequence from the event shows the actor shaking hands with King Charles and telling him, “I didn’t know if I was supposed to catch you or not, but it’s my pleasure.”

According to the royal family website“There are no obligatory codes of behavior when meeting the Queen or a member of the royal family, but many people want to respect traditional forms.”

“For men, it is a bow of the neck (of the head only) while women do a small bow. Other people simply prefer to shake hands in the usual way,” the website adds .

The confusion posed no problem, as Washington, who plays the role of gladiator merchant and arms dealer Macrincould later be seen smiling as he described his character to the king.

“I’m… just horrible… I’m a lovely man, you’ll see. I’m a lovely guy and I’m doing my best,” he said.

“You’ve been in so many films, it’s fantastic,” King Charles was heard saying in response.

At a screening of the film’s sequel in Los Angeles in October, Washington described his character as follows: someone who is “misunderstood” and who is a “product of their environment”.

He’s “trying to use everyone. He used his mother, he used his own children. He had already used up his soul, so he didn’t have any more. But he’s in bed with the devil,” said Washington about Macrinus. .

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Gladiator II hits theaters Friday, November 22.