Denzel Washington Totally Biffs It As He Meets King Charles For the First Time – ‘I Didn’t Know!’

The two-time Oscar-winning star Denzel Washington has met many famous people over the course of his life. That’s why it came as a surprise when he was left starstruck by King Charles on Wednesday night!

Washington Meets King Charles

Washington, 69, was in London on Wednesday attending the premiere of Gladiator II with his c0-stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, and director Sir Ridley Scott. There, the group was approached by King Charles, 76, who was eager to meet them.

Charles first talked to Scott, 86, and Mescal, 28, as Washington looked on nervously. When the King finally approached him, Washington was unsure on how to greet the royal.

Much to Washington’s relief, the King put him at ease by initiating a handshake.

“I didn’t know if I was supposed to grab your hand or not,” Washington said with a smile as he shook Charles’ hand.

The King proceed to ask about Washington’s villainous Gladiator II character of Macrinus.

“I’m, just an awful … I’m a lovely man you’ll see,” Washington said before sarcastically adding, “I’m a lovely chap.”

“You’ve been in so many films, it’s fantastic,” the King said, to which Washington replied, “Thank you, thank you.”

Check out their full exchange in the video below.

Related: Denzel Washington, 69, Comes Unglued – Lashes Out At Fans In Heated NYC Exchange

Royal Family Protocols

The royal family’s website gives some details on what guidelines there are to meet British royals. Surprisingly, it claims that there are technically no mandatory rules for meeting a member of the royal family.

“There are no obligatory codes of behaviour” when meeting a royal, according to the website. “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,” the site continues, adding that “other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way.”

When it comes to verbally addressing the royal, one should call the King, “Your Majesty” at the beginning of any conversation. One should subsequently address him as, “Sir.”

While there are no guidelines about touching a royal physically, it is believed to be frowned upon. Unless, that is, the royal initiates some form of physical intimacy.

“Really it comes down to don’t touch a royal,” royal expert Victoria Arbiter has previously explained. “I’m sure there’s lots of security reasons associated with it, but it’s just not befitting of their position.”

Related: Prince Andrew Sticks It To King Charles – ‘Dishonoring’ The Royal Family By Refusing To Leave Royal Lodge

Difficult Time For The King

This comes at a difficult time for the King. Back in February, he was diagnosed with cancer.

“During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement at the time. “Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.”

Meanwhile, last week, Queen Camilla was forced to cancel events due to a chest infection. This is likely why she wasn’t at the Gladiator II premiere with the King.

“Her Majesty The Queen is currently unwell with a chest infection, for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest,” the palace said in a statement.

“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 added.

Unfortunately, Camilla did not end up recovering in time for these events.

Washington’s sweet interaction with the King serves as a reminder that even A-list celebrities can get starstruck. In the end, this just makes us love Washington even more!