Actress Kate Winslet recently shared an amusing anecdote about her first meeting with King Charles nearly three decades ago, revealing she narrowly avoided an embarrassing situation due to an unexpectedly revealing outfit.
The Oscar-winning performer was just 20 years old when she attended the 1996 royal premiere of “Sense and Sensibility.” For the high-profile event, Winslet had chosen a black lace ensemble that featured transparent elements, paired with a long coat.
During a television appearance, Winslet recounted the moment she realized the potential fashion mishap as the then-Prince of Wales approached her on the red carpet. “I suddenly became very aware that I was wearing essentially see-through clothing,” she recalled with amusement. “Thankfully, I remembered my coat just in time and quickly covered myself before greeting him properly.”
The actress described the moment of panic as she noticed the monarch moving toward her, prompting her to swiftly secure her outerwear before offering the traditional “Your Majesty” greeting.
Winslet’s royal encounters didn’t end there. She recently found herself in another memorable situation involving royal protocol during a summer event honoring the King’s Foundation. Attending alongside fellow actress Meryl Streep, the two screen legends found themselves in a comical dilemma about proper curtsy etiquette.
According to Winslet, the pair engaged in a hurried backstage discussion about whether and how to perform the traditional gesture of respect. “We were both uncertain about the protocol,” she explained. “There was this moment of panic where we were trying to determine if we needed to curtsy at all, and if so, how deep the bow should be.”
Winslet took the lead in the situation, noting that she typically volunteers to go first in such circumstances. “Somebody has to take that initial step, even if it might not be perfect,” she remarked with a laugh. “I’ve never minded being the one to make the first attempt.”
The actress’s recollections provide a humorous glimpse into the unexpected challenges that can arise during formal royal engagements, even for seasoned Hollywood professionals.
