Denzel Washington had an awkward interaction with King Charles III at the London premiere of his upcoming film Gladiator II. On November 13, the Oscar winner graced the red carpet with her co-stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen and director Ridley Scott.

According to royal greeting protocol, the cast formed a line for King Charles to approach each of them personally for a one-on-one interaction. He first met the film’s director and shook his hand. Next up was Mescal, who said, “Hi, nice to meet you,” during their handshake. The monarch then asked if the character Mescal played in the film.

But when King Charles reached Washington, the actor appeared visibly uncomfortable as he shook his hand. When Charles held out his hand, Washington took it but commented, “I didn’t know if I was meant to take your hand.” The monarch then asked about Washington’s role as Emperor Macrinus, to which Washington replied that his character was a horrible person.

“I’m … just a terrible … I’m a lovely man you see. I’m a lovely guy,” Washington said awkwardly. King Charles went on to praise his “fantastic” film career, for which the actor expressed gratitude, ending their conversation by thanking him twice. As for the king, he took it all in .stepped and smiled during every interaction.

Gladiator II is the sequel to the 2000 blockbuster starring Russell Crowe. The highly anticipated film follows Lucius (played by Paul Mescal), who, unbeknownst to him, has royal ancestry. He lives a secluded life, away from the prying eyes of the Roman Empire, at the insistence of his mother (played by Connie Nielsen).

But when General Marcus Acacius launches a hunt, Lucius is discovered and brought back to the infamous fighting pits as a gladiator. Will he change the future of Rome or meet the same fate as Maximus (Crowe)? According to the film’s official synopsis: “After his home is conquered by the tyrannical emperors who now rule Rome, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum, where he must look to his past to find the strength to restore Rome’s glory to its people. “

Gladiator II hits theaters on November 15.