Idris Elba had a brief apology for King Charles when they crossed paths in Antigua, but his words were about the weather.
HELLO! understands the actor told the monarch, "Sorry about the rain," during their encounter at Nelson's Dockyard on Monday, November 2.
The clarification follows reports interpreting his remark as "sorry about the prime minister," prompting speculation that he was referring to British Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesIdris Elba and King Charles meet at Nelson's Dockyard
Charles was touring the historic dockyard ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting when he encountered the Luther star, who was attending an event at the site.
The King had just placed an engraved stone into a wall before the pair greeted one another.
Idris shook Charles's hand and asked, "How are you?"
© Getty ImagesThe King responded, "What are you doing here?" Idris replied, "I get around," with both men laughing as the actor patted Charles on the arm.
Their conversation then turned to how the visit was going. While the subsequent apology was reported as a reference to the prime minister, HELLO! understands Idris actually said: "Sorry about the rain."
© Getty ImagesWhy the remark was linked to Andy Burnham
Various reports placed its interpretation alongside the political debate surrounding the Commonwealth summit, while acknowledging that it was unclear whether Idris was referring to Burnham.
The prime minister had said he was open to discussing a formal British apology for the transatlantic slave trade, while ruling out financial reparations.
His position drew criticism from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who argued that it risked putting pressure on the King ahead of his address to Commonwealth leaders.
That debate provides the background to the report's interpretation. However, HELLO!'s understanding of the exchange is that Idris was commenting on the rain.
The weather had already interrupted the royal visit. On Sunday, Charles and Queen Camilla were caught in a downpour at Antigua and Barbuda's independence celebrations, with the King briefly waiting for an umbrella before inspecting the troops.
© Getty ImagesIdris Elba's longstanding connection to King Charles
The easy familiarity between Idris and Charles follows years of shared charity work. As a teenager, the actor received a £1,500 grant from the then Prince's Trust to attend the National Youth Music Theatre, helping him pursue the career that would eventually bring him international recognition.
He has since worked with the King on initiatives supporting young people, including discussions about youth violence and opportunities in the creative industries.
Charles also presented Idris with his knighthood at Windsor Castle in June, recognising his services to young people. Reflecting on the help he received early in life, Idris has described himself as: "I am a product of intervention."
