The Prince and Princess of Wales have enjoyed a glamorous night out with Hollywood A-lister Tom Cruise at the world premiere of his new movie, Digger, in London’s Leicester Square
The royal couple attended the world premier of Digger(Image: Geoff Pugh/Daily Telegraph/PA Wire)
The Princess of Wales pulled out all of the stops as she brought the glitz on a glamorous night out with Prince William — as well as football legend Sir David Beckham and Hollywood A-lister Tom Cruise.
The royal couple joined the film star for the Royal Film Performance, which is also the world premiere for his new movie Digger, which was filmed in the UK at Pinewood Studios.
Kate turned heads as she stepped onto the red carpet in a stunning purple Jenny Packham gown complete with long, flared sleeves and a matching necklace. William looked equally smart in a black velvet jacket as the couple were greeted by cheering crowds.
The couple were then escorted into the screening at the Odeon in London’s Leicester Square by Cruise, 64, who has won three Golden Globe Awards.
The actor and the couple are known for their friendly relationship with William and Kate also attending the premiere of Cruise’s blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick back in 2022. The star and the future king have also worked together at an event to support the London Air Ambulance charity.
Cruise once said of his bond with the heir to throne, who is also the president of BAFTA, said: “We have a lot in common. We both love England and we’re both aviators, we both love flying.”
And, last night in an interview before Kate and William’s arrival, Cruise said: “I just love them, they are a lovely couple. I have great respect for them.”
Inside the cinema, the Royals were introduced to a line-up of beneficiaries from the Film and Television Charity including Chloe Malone, 27, who only last year was sleeping rough and is still in temporary accommodation but is about to embark on a production course at the National Film and Television School thanks to the charity.
She praised it for “saving” her, and William for his work to eradicate homelessness.
The Princess was also presented with a posy and a programme by Evie Peters, seven, while four-year-old Sahrae-Lea Herbert, four, gave the Prince as programme. Both girls, who had been waiting excitedly for them, executed beautiful curtseys. The Princess of Wales said: “Thank you for my lovely flowers.”
In the past, Cruisehas also lent his support to passion project – the Earthshot Prize – and he sent a surprise video message that was played during the awards ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, where he dubbed the prince a “dear friend”.
Sir David Beckham was also among the famous faces at the premiere, as he attended alongside his sons Romeo and Cruz. The football legend and his two sons, who were dressed in smart black-tie outfits, were pictured posing with the Princes and Princess of Wales.
The outing came just hours after William served popcorn and sold tickets to moviegoers as he celebrated grassroots cinema, but was dogged by a question about Earl Spencer’s book.
William dished out one bag of the salted treat to three regulars at ActOne Cinema in west London and when told they would share, he joked: “Are you sure? Everybody needs their own popcorn – it’s moreish.”
But he struggled with processing the tickets and as he tapped buttons on the till, under the watchful eye of staff, he told the trio: “I made this very slow, I apologise.”
The cinema is celebrating its fifth anniversary after being launched in a former library in Acton, west London. As William arrived, he did not respond as a member of the press shouted: “Sir, how do you feel about your uncle’s book – have you read it?”
Headlines have been dominated for much of the past week by Earl Spencer’s book about William’s late mother Diana, Princess of Wales.
Earl Spencer has made a series of damning allegations about the King, including the explosive claim that Charles said “we’ll forget her soon enough” following Diana’s death, prompting a war of words between him and Buckingham Palace.
The Royal Film Performance dates back to 1946 and raises funds for the Film and TV Charity which works to create healthier and more supportive working environments.
As well as meeting Cruise and Digger filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu, William and Kate also met representatives from the Film and TV Charity.
The charity ensures that everyone working in the industry has somewhere to turn when they need help. This includes a 24/7 helpline, free counselling, financial grants, and a range of mental health initiatives designed to foster healthier, more supportive working environments.
