Paul Mescal couldn't understand what King Charles was saying when they met at the 'Gladiator II' premiere

He told Variety: "I found it hard to hear exactly what he was saying because your head is in such a kind of frenzy, so you're just kind of nodding along and just smiling."

Paul also admitted he didn't think he would ever be rubbing shoulders with royalty, adding: "It's definitely not something that I thought was in the bingo cards. I'm Irish, so it's not on the list of priorities."

However, the actor was pleased the film's director Sir Ridley Scott was able to have the King attend the screening. He said: "It's an amazing thing for Ridley because I know how important that is for him. So to see his film celebrated in that context was pretty special."

Denzel Washington was also among the stars who met King Charles at the London screening and he previously admitted he was left baffled by royal protocol because he wasn't sure if he was supposed to shake his hand or not.

In video footage published after the event, Denzel was seen meeting the King and saying: "I didn't know if I was supposed to grab you or not, but it's my pleasure."

He went on to talk to the head of the royal family about his character in the movie, saying: "I'm ... just awful ... I'm a lovely man you'll see. I'm a lovely chap and doing my best."

Charles then told him: "You've been in so many films, it's fantastic."

The King also met Pedro Pascal and director Sir Ridley Scott at the premiere, which was held in London's Leicester Square. He arrived at the event in his state Bentley limousine, and posed for photographers on the red carpet, while wearing a black tuxedo with a bowtie.

Queen Camilla missed the screening after she was diagnosed with a "seasonal chest infection".