Denzel Washington Says He ‘Didn’t Know’ the Right Way to Greet King Charles at theGladiator IIPremiere

Mar. 15, 2025

Denzel Washington meeting King Charles the Royal Film Performance of ‘Gladiator II’ at ODEON Luxe Leicester Square in London.Photo:EDDIE MULHOLLAND/POOL/AFP via Getty

EDDIE MULHOLLAND/POOL/AFP via Getty

Denzel Washingtonhad a memorable encounter withKing Charlesat the Royal Film Performance ofGladiator II.

The monarch made a solo appearance at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square in London on Wednesday, Nov. 13,a day before his 76th birthday, asQueen Camillarecovered from achest infection.

King Charles the Royal Film Performance of ‘Gladiator II’ at ODEON Luxe Leicester Square in London.EDDIE MULHOLLAND/POOL/AFP via Getty

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Video footagefrom the event shows the actor shaking King Charles' hand as he tells him, “I didn’t know if I was supposed to grab you or not, but it’s my pleasure.”

According to the royal family’swebsite, “There are no obligatory codes of behavior when meeting the Queen or a member of the Royal Family, but many people wish to observe the traditional forms.”

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

The confusion didn’t cause any issues, as Washington, who plays gladiator trader and arms dealerMacrinus, could later be seen smiling as he described his character to the King.

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

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

Denzel Washington in “Gladiator II”.Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures

Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures

During a screening of the sequel film in Los Angeles in October, Washington further described his character assomeone who is “misunderstood” and is a “product of his environment.”

He is “trying to use everybody. He used his mother, he used his own children. He’d already used up his soul, so he didn’t have any left. But he’s in bed with the devil,” said Washington about Macrinus.Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Gladiator IIarrives in theaters on Friday, Nov. 22.

source: people.com