By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-09-22 20:00:48 | Updated at 2026-09-22 20:45:32
46 minutes ago
The Prince and Princess of Wales stepped onto the red carpet alongside Tom Cruise this evening for the world premiere of Digger, marking a rare joint appearance at London's Odeon Luxe Leicester Square.
The royal couple were greeted by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant and senior figures from the Film and TV Charity before making their way along the carpet.
William and Catherine met members of the film's cast and creative team, among them the legendary Hollywood star Mr Cruise and acclaimed Mexican filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu.
The Warner Bros. production film was shot at Pinewood Studios, giving the occasion a distinctly British perspective.
William, who serves as Bafta President, has long championed the domestic cinema industry, and appeared to enjoy the night's festivities.
For the occasion, the princess opted for a flowing purple gown - a bold departure from her typically neutral premiere wardrobe.
Her most eye-catching choice, however, was the Queen Mother's Amethyst Sautoir Necklace, a piece seldom seen outside the royal vaults.
The Prince and Princess of Wales stepped onto the red carpet alongside Tom Cruise this evening for the world premiere of Digger, marking a rare joint appearance at London's Odeon Luxe Leicester Square
GETTY
The pearl, diamond and amethyst necklace was originally presented by Queen Alexandra to Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon on the occasion of her 1923 wedding, before she became the Queen Mother.
Catherine's selection of the historic piece wowed guests and added a royal twist to the glamoures red carpet event.
Such outings remain a rarity for the Princess of Wales. In recent years, she has attended the Baftas and the Royal Variety Performance twice each, appeared at the Top Gun: Maverick premiere in May 2022, and made a single visit to the Earthshot Prize ceremony.
The royal couple were greeted by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant and senior figures from the Film and TV Charity before making their way along the carpet
PA
The couple have a longstanding friendship with Tom Cruise
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Film premieres are rarer still. Tonight's screening of Digger represents only the eighth premiere Catherine has attended since joining the Royal Family.
That select list includes two Bond outings - Spectre in 2015 and No Time to Die in 2021 - alongside A Street Cat Named Bob, War Horse, African Cats, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
Her appearance at Top Gun: Maverick four years ago, where she was joined by her husband, reunited the couple with Mr Cruise.
William and Catherine were seen exchanging warm welcomes with the Hollywood legend
PA
Tonight's screening marked the 73rd Royal Film Performance staged by the Film and TV Charity, an institution whose history stretches back to 1946.
The event raises vital funds enabling the charity to offer round-the-clock support - including a helpline, counselling, financial grants and mental health programmes - to those working across Britain's film, television and cinema sectors.
Earlier in the day, William visited ActOne Cinema in Acton to serve popcorn and process tickets for bemused filmgoers.
