Denzel Washington experienced an awkward encounter with King Charles III during the London premiere of "Gladiator II."

The two met during the Royal Film Performance of the film at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square in London on Wednesday, Nov. 13

King Charles was a special guest at the London premiere of Gladiator II on Wednesday, Nov. 13. All of the film's stars were in attendance, including Oscar-winner Denzel Washington. And according to fans, the Training Day star said something hilarious before meeting The King.

His seemingly unbothered attitude with regard to the British monarch didn't impact their later meeting. After his arrival, inside the theater, King Charles met the cast of Gladiator II, including Washington. "I didn’t know if I was supposed to grab your hand or not," the actor told the King as they met.

Denzel Washington was unsure about royal protocol when meeting King Charles, leaving him baffled over whether to shake his hand.

Hollywood actor Denzel Washington admitted he was baffled by royal protocol when meeting King Charles at the 'Gladiator II' premiere - telling the monarch he wasn't sure if he was supposed to shake his hand or not.

Denzel Washington was one of the stars who met King Charles at the Gladiator II premiere in London - and the actor wasn't sure if he should shake the royal's hand or not

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!