Hollywood actor Gary Oldman has revealed the surprising tongue-in-cheek remark Prince William made when bestowing his knighthood during a glitzy ceremony.
The Oscar winner, 67, was awarded a knighthood for services to drama by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle Wednesday.
During his brief interaction with the future king during the investiture ceremony, the “Darkest Hour” actor revealed the savage — but hilarious — quip William let slip.
According to Oldman, the royal explained that he was a “fan” of watching him in the hit Apple TV+ show “Slow Horses,” which sees him play the role of Jackson Lamb.
But despite his affinity for Oldman’s performance, William did admit that each time he sees the actor on-screen as Lamb, “I just want to give you a good wash.”
Known for his quick wit, the British actor responded, “Well, I think I’ve scrubbed up OK today.”
In the series, Oldman’s character is the head of Slough House, a banishment assignment for MI5 service rejects who have seriously failed a task but not badly enough to get fired.
After being awarded the prestigious honor by William, the “Dark Knight” actor described the moment as “very emotional.”
“We spoke for a minute, but I almost couldn’t find my voice,” he said. “I think I feel very honored, very humbled and flattered, I think in equal measure. It compares to nothing else. It’s a singular event, that is what it is,” the Golden Globe winner went on. “I thought the Oscar was a big deal. No disrespect to the academy, but it sort of pales in comparison to this. It’s just been wonderful.”
During the pair’s conversation, William had also mentioned Oldman’s other works, including “The Fifth Element” and “Darkest Hour.”
“He said he was very happy that I was here today and that it was him that had the opportunity to present me with [the honor],” he added.
The “Harry Potter” actor kick-started his career as a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and went on to get his big break in the 1982 film “Remembrance.”
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He later became a household name in Hollywood, landing projects like “Dracula,” the “Harry Potter” franchise and the “Dark Knight” films.
Oldman, who is one of the highest-grossing actors of all time, has won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, three BAFTAs and was nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards.
While at Windsor Castle, Oldman said, people had been asking him if he would return for another season of “Slow Horses.”
“[The show was] truly one of the most enjoyable jobs I’ve had in 47 years doing this,” he said, adding that his character has “an acid wit, sarcastic, he drinks too much, smokes too much, eats all the wrong things.”
“Who wouldn’t want to play that?” he quipped.
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