Starstruck Denzel Washington Has Awkward Red Carpet Encounter With King Charles

"I didn't know if I was supposed to grab your hand or not."

Stephanie

• Published in Film & TV
• November 19, 2024

The stars were out in full force on November 13 for the Gladiator II premiere at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square in London. And among the Hollywood royalty on the red carpet was actual royalty, with King Charles attending the glamorous affair.

During the event, King Charles III greeted the Gladiator II cast, including Denzel Washington, who stars in the film. As King Charles approached Washington, the star appeared nervous about the encounter.

The actor shook the King's hand, saying, "I didn't know if I was supposed to grab your hand or not." He smiled as he continued, "I'm just awful. I'm a lovely man, you'll see. I'm a lovely chap."

"You've been in so many films, it's fantastic," King Charles said to the starstruck actor. "Thank you, thank you," Washington replied graciously.

The King also met with the film's director, Ridley Scott, and actors Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal, among others.

However, noticeably missing from the star-studded occasion was Queen Camilla, who was forced to cancel several appearances recently due to a chest infection. An official statement from the palace read, "Her Majesty The Queen is currently unwell with a chest infection, for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest."

As such, Queen Camilla was unable to attend several scheduled events last week. "With great regret, Her Majesty has therefore had to withdraw from her engagements for this week, but she very much hopes to be recovered in time to attend this weekend’s Remembrance events as normal," the statement continued.

The stars were out in full force on November 13 for the Gladiator II premiere at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square in London.

And among the Hollywood royalty on the red carpet was actual royalty, with King Charles attending the glamorous affair.

During the event, King Charles III greeted the Gladiator II cast, including Denzel Washington, who stars in the film.

The actor shook the King's hand, saying, "I didn't know if I was supposed to grab your hand or not."

"You've been in so many films, it's fantastic," King Charles said to the starstruck actor.

The King also met with the film's director, Ridley Scott, and actors Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal, among others.

However, noticeably missing from the star-studded occasion was Queen Camilla, who was forced to cancel several appearances recently due to a chest infection.

Of course, the royal family has been dealing with multiple health scares this year. In February, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Shortly after, the palace revealed that the Princess of Wales was also fighting cancer and had undergone abdominal surgery, followed by chemotherapy.

Of course, the royal family has been dealing with multiple health scares this year. In February, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Shortly after, the palace revealed that the Princess of Wales was also fighting cancer and had undergone abdominal surgery, followed by chemotherapy. In recent months, Princess Kate has returned to light duties and is looking well.

As always, we would love to hear your opinions on this story. You can share your thoughts with us in the comment section.

Stephanie