Sir Idris Elba offered words of support to King Charles after the monarch was caught in a torrential downpour during a visit to Antigua. The two men met unexpectedly at Nelson's Dock, a popular historical tourist attraction, while attending separate events.
Charles chatted briefly with the actor, best known for his role as DCI John Luther in the BBC crime series, as they greeted each other like old friends. The King asked "What are you doing here?" and Sir Idris replied "I get around", affectionately patting the King on the arm.
Rain-soaked arrival at cricket stadium
The King was drenched moments after arriving with Queen Camilla at a cricket stadium hosting events to mark the 45th anniversary of Antigua's independence from Britain on Sunday. He was seen throwing his arms up and calling repeatedly for an umbrella from members of his entourage.
Charles later saw the funny side, saying "I've started growing watercress on my trousers". Sir Idris asked "How are you doing though, are you having a good time?" and sympathised with Charles over the rain.
Commonwealth meeting and royal connection
The King is in the Caribbean country to deliver the keynote address opening the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on Tuesday, expected to be dominated by the issue of a slavery apology and reparations. He had just set an engraved stone into a wall at Nelson's Dock when he was reunited with Sir Idris, a goodwill ambassador for the King's Trust, who was hosting the One Commonwealth Night concert at the Unesco World Heritage Site.
Sir Idris, who first found fame with the acclaimed US series The Wire, got his acting start thanks to a grant from Charles' Prince's Trust that helped him attend the National Youth Music Theatre. The 54-year-old celebrity was knighted earlier this year for services to young people.
