Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, received a warm welcome from Tom Cruise as they stepped onto the red carpet for the world premiere of his new movie Digger in London.
The Prince and Princess of Wales attended the star-studded premiere at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square on Tuesday, September 22, where they reunited with Cruise and met the film's director, Alejandro G. Iñárritu.
The evening marked another high-profile meeting between the royal couple and the Hollywood star. William and Kate previously joined Cruise at the UK premiere of Top Gun: Maverick in London in 2022.
Cruise has previously spoken warmly about his relationship with William, with their shared interest in aviation providing one of the connections between the actor and the Prince of Wales.
At the latest premiere, Cruise greeted William and Kate as they arrived, with the trio appearing relaxed as they spoke on the red carpet. The royal couple also met members of the cast and creative team behind the highly anticipated film.
Kate attracted considerable attention with her glamorous purple Jenny Packham gown. She completed the look with historic royal jewellery, including an amethyst necklace associated with the Queen Mother and previously worn publicly by Queen Camilla.
The event was more than a glamorous Hollywood night. The Digger premiere also served as the 73rd Royal Film Performance, supporting the Film and TV Charity and its work helping people behind the scenes of the UK's film, television and cinema industries.
William's involvement in the film world is also well established. He serves as President of BAFTA, giving him a longstanding connection to Britain's film and television industry.
Digger was filmed at Pinewood Studios in the UK and is directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu. The movie stars Cruise alongside Riz Ahmed, Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Jesse Plemons, Michael Stuhlbarg, Sophie Wilde and Emma D'Arcy.
The film follows Cruise's character, Digger Rockwell, described as one of the most powerful men in the world. After unleashing a disaster, he sets out on a frantic mission to convince the world that he can save humanity.
The London premiere also gave royal watchers another rare red-carpet appearance from William and Kate. The couple's previous joint movie premiere with Cruise took place more than four years earlier, making their latest reunion particularly notable.
For Cruise, the London event carried an additional significance because Digger was filmed and completed in the UK. The filmmakers have also praised the contribution of British talent working both in front of and behind the camera.
The movie is scheduled to arrive in UK and Irish cinemas on October 2, 2026, following its global premiere in London.
Key Takeaways
- Prince William and Kate Middleton attended the London world premiere of Digger.
- Tom Cruise personally welcomed the Prince and Princess of Wales at the star-studded event.
- The premiere took place at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square on September 22, 2026.
- The event was the 73rd Royal Film Performance supporting the Film and TV Charity.
- William and Kate previously reunited with Cruise at the 2022 UK premiere of Top Gun: Maverick.
- Kate wore a purple Jenny Packham gown with historic royal jewellery.
- Digger is directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu and stars Cruise alongside a major ensemble cast.
- The film is scheduled for UK and Ireland release on October 2, 2026.
