An expert details King Charles’ reaction to ‘Gladiator 2’ star Paul Mescal’s snub

Paul Mescal, the Irish actor best known for Normal People and his role in the upcoming Gladiator II, sparked debate with his comments about meeting King Charles III at the film’s London premiere. When asked about the encounter, Mescal candidly remarked, “I’m Irish, so it’s not on the list of priorities,” which some interpreted as a snub to the monarch. However, experts and a closer look at his full response suggest otherwise.

During the interview, Mescal acknowledged that while meeting King Charles wasn’t a personal milestone for him, it was a significant moment for his director, Sir Ridley Scott, who is British. “It’s an amazing thing for Ridley because I know how important that is for him. To see his film celebrated in that context was pretty special,” Mescal explained.

Mescal also shared that during the brief interaction, he nodded and smiled, admitting he couldn’t fully process the moment because his “head was in such a frenzy.”

Gareth Russell, biographer of the late Queen Mother, defended Mescal, calling the backlash “overblown.” He pointed out that Mescal’s remarks weren’t intended to insult King Charles or Britain but to clarify his perspective as an Irish citizen meeting a foreign head of state.

“He wasn’t rude about the King or the monarchy. He was just being clear that he’s not British and views the encounter from the standpoint of an Irish national,” Russell explained. He also noted the frustrations some Irish actors feel when lumped into the category of British performers, highlighting the nuance of Mescal’s comment.

The history between Ireland and Britain, marked by centuries of conflict, adds layers of complexity to moments like these. Many Irish citizens maintain a strong sense of identity distinct from Britain, and Mescal’s pride in his Irish heritage aligns with that sentiment.

Critics of the questions posed to Mescal during the interview called them “tone-deaf,” given the historical context of Anglo-Irish relations. However, Russell emphasized that Mescal’s words were more about distinguishing his perspective than making a political statement.

Ultimately, Mescal framed the premiere as a celebration of Ridley Scott’s work and his British colleagues’ honor in meeting their head of state. Videos from the event show a brief and cordial interaction between Mescal and King Charles, characterized by smiles and polite exchanges.

By taking pride in his Irish identity while respecting the significance of the event for his collaborators, Mescal struck a thoughtful balance, even if the nuances of his remarks were initially misunderstood.