Denzel Washington and King Charles totally botch their handshake at the Gladiator II premiere

Denzel Washington looked nervous and amazed as he shook hands with King Charles III at the Gladiator II premieres Wednesday, November 14.

The monarch stepped out alone on the eve of her 76th birthday to attend a screening of the sequel at the Odeon theater in Leicester Square, chatting on the red carpet with director Ridley Scott, 86, and the cast.

The film’s stars lined up to greet the king before heading into the hall. When King arrived in Washington after first chatting with Scott and lead actor Paul Mescal, 28, the Training day The star looked troubled, admitting he wasn’t sure of the proper protocol for the royal handshake.

“I didn’t know if I was supposed to catch you or not,” Washington joked, adding, “But it’s my pleasure.”

King Charles couldn’t help but question Washington about his role in Gladiator II, where he plays the evil Macrinus.

“I’m just a horrible… I’m a lovely man, you’ll see,” Washington joked with a sarcastic smile. “I’m a lovely guy.”

Impressed by Washington’s work, Charles remarked, “You’ve been in so many films, it’s fantastic.” »

To which Washington replied: “Thank you, thank you.”

Queen Camilla, on doctor’s orders, did not participate in the evening’s festivities to rest from a recent lung infection.

“Her Majesty The Queen is currently suffering from a lung infection, for which her doctors have advised her to take a short period of rest,” a palace statement said, according to the BBCwho also confirmed that Camilla’s schedule had effectively been cleared until she was back to full fitness. “It is with great regret that Her Majesty has therefore had to withdraw from her engagements for this week.”

Nonetheless, earlier today she gathered to join Charles at Buckingham Palace for a special reception marking the 100th anniversary of the Royal Film Performance – a charity event supporting behind-the-scenes workers in film and television.

The gathering featured iconic British film costumes and was attended by Prince Edward, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, as well as actors including Damian Lewis, Emily Mortimer, Joseph Fiennes and India Amarteifio, giving the royal family the opportunity to mingle with industry stars.

At the reception, Charles spoke with pride about Camilla’s recent documentary on domestic violence awareness, Her Majesty the Queen: behind closed doors. “I’m very proud of it,” he said. Wolf Hall producers Kerene Barefield and Naveed Chowdhary-Flatt, admitting, “It made me cry,” according to Tatler.