Denzel Washington fumbles encounter with King Charles III at Gladiator II premiere: I didnt know!

Denzel Washington had a royal fumble when meeting King Charles III at the “Gladiator II” premiere in London on Wednesday.The “Equalizer 3” star, 69, attended the premiere along with his co-stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, “Gladiator II” director Sir Ridley Scott and King Charles.

As is tradition for royal premieres, the film’s stars lined up on the red carpet to greet the sovereign before heading into the theater.When Washington was presented to King Charles, 75, after speaking with Scott, 86, and Mescal, 28, the “Training Day” actor appeared nervous, and let Charles know he was unsure how to greet him.

The King appeared to initiate a handshake with the star, much to Washington’s relief.“I didn’t know if I was supposed to grab your hand or not,” Washington told the King with a grin as they shook hands.Charles then asked Washington about his character in “Gladiator II,” the villainous Macrinus.“I’m, just an awful … I’m a lovely man you’ll see,” Washington said, sarcastically.

“I’m a lovely chap.” King Charles then told Washington, “You’ve been in so many films, it’s fantastic.” A grateful Washington responded, “Thank you, thank you.”Individuals slated to meet members of the royal family are typically provided guidance on how to greet the royals, as Billy Eichner recounted in 2019.In an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” a few days after he attended the premiere of Jon Favreau’s “The Lion King”, Eichner revealed that he received an email from the royal household detailing the protocol he and other guests should follow when greeting members of the royal family.“In the days leading up to [the premiere] they email you a protocol,” Eichner told Kimmel.“And [the royal family] are very intense about it! I’m not kidding!” he added.“You’re supposed to say, ‘Your Royal Highness,’ you can’t speak until your hands are in like a handshake,” he continued, admitting he was...