Tom Cruise's Two-Word Verdict for Prince William Steals Royal Premiere
Tom Cruise had two words for the Prince of Wales on the red carpet: "Great jacket."
The line landed at the world premiere of Digger in London on Sept. 22, 2026, according to ABC News. The venue was Leicester Square. Cruise met the Prince of Wales and the Princess of Wales at the top of the carpet to welcome them in person, as reported by HELLO!.
Kensington Palace had confirmed the outing in advance, saying the couple would attend the Leicester Square premiere, as HELLO! reported on Sept. 15. The night doubled as the official Royal Film Performance, a gala screening chosen to raise funds for a cause in the screen industries. The idea is simple. Turn a starry opening night into a fundraiser. This year that cause was the Film and TV Charity, which supports working lives across film and television, from crews to freelancers.
William chose classic evening dress for the occasion. He wore a tuxedo, the black-tie evening suit, with a double-breasted jacket and bow tie. Double-breasted means the jacket closes with two overlapping fronts. Kate chose colour. She wore a purple gown by British designer Jenny Packham, a name she has worn often for evening events.
She finished the look with two jewels with history attached. Around her neck was the Queen Mother's amethyst sautoir necklace, a long chain worn with a pendant, paired with the purple dress. In her ears were pearl-drop earrings that belonged to Princess Diana, according to The Telegraph. Purple and amethyst made a natural match.
Cruise kept the greeting warm. He kissed the Princess on the cheek as she arrived. Earlier, while waiting for the couple in Leicester Square, he had said: "I just love them. They are lovely people, and I have great respect for them." Filmmaker Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu joined Cruise at the central London premiere, PEOPLE reported. The global premiere was held in the heart of the capital's cinema district.
What makes this stand out is its simplicity. Royal premieres can feel formal. This one played as a brief, friendly exchange between stars and patrons. A compliment on tailoring. A kiss on the cheek. And a night at the cinema with the ticket money going to the people who make the shows.
