Gillian Anderson’s awkward encounter with the Queen

One rock star had a very embarrassing run-in with the Queen at the polo, as X-Files star Gillian Anderson looked on in shock.

There’s a lot of etiquette to remember when meeting the Queen — do I bow or curtsy? Do I introduce myself or wait for Her Majesty to speak first?

It may not be in the official rule book, but we’d hazard a guess that “entangling Queen Elizabeth II in your scarf” is definitely a no-no.

That's exactly what happened to one poor man during the Royal Windsor Cup at the Guards Polo Club over the weekend.

Hilarious photos show the horrified man — later identified as Japanese rock star Yoshiki — trying his best to rescue his long black scarf as it gets caught on the front of the Queen’s outfit:

Off with his head! Picture: Steve Parsons/PA via AP

Even better: The X Files and Sex Education actress Gillian Anderson standing just a couple of feet away, unable to hide her shock at the royal faux pas unfolding right in front of her:

This is a case for Agent Dana Scully. Picture: GoffPhotos.com / australscope

It’s unclear whether the Queen ever noticed what had happened — other pictures from the event show the 93-year-old Monarch smiling happily.

Yoshiki explained the incident later on social media, tweeting: “I’m so sorry it happened, but a gust of wind blew up. I talked to the Queen afterwards and Her Majesty was very sweet.”

If I were her I would’ve kept the scarf. Picture: Steve Parsons/PA Wire

It was yet another public appearance in recent days for Queen Elizabeth, who had earlier attended the Ascot Races every day last week. She shows no signs of slowing down, as her relentless work schedule proves — last year she attended more official engagements than grandsons Prince Harry and Prince William.

Gillian Anderson (left) and Yoshiki. At least he can say his scarf met the Queen. Picture: Steve Parsons/PA Wire