Tom Cruise calls Prince William and Princess Kate 'lovely people' after Digger premiere

Tom Cruise has described the Prince of Wales — Prince William — and the Princess of Wales — Princess Kate — as "amazing" and "very charismatic" after meeting them at the London premiere of his new film Digger.

Speaking on The Graham Norton Show, Cruise said he "had such a good time" with the couple. "I just love them," he added. "They are lovely people, and I have great respect for them," HELLO!

The meeting took place at the global premiere on 22 September 2026 in Leicester Square in central London. The screening was staged as the official Royal Film Performance, the gala held in the presence of members of the Royal Family to raise money for the Film and TV Charity. That charity provides mental and financial help to workers in the film and TV industry.

Prince William wore a tuxedo with a double-breasted velvet jacket and bow tie. Princess Kate wore a purple Jenny Packham dress with Princess Diana's earrings and the Queen Mother's amethyst sautoir necklace, a long pendant-style jewel.

Cruise greeted them warmly on the carpet. As William approached, the actor told him "great jacket". He meant it. He later helped Kate down a set of steps outside the cinema.

Kate also laughed off a near-trip on arrival after her gown was stepped on, according to PEOPLE. She steadied herself and carried on into the venue.

Inside the screening, Cruise took the microphone when the cast took the stage to thank the couple for attending, as reported by Variety. He thanked the Royal Highnesses for supporting the event. He said the cast loves them and appreciates what they do for the arts, the country and the world.

In Digger, Cruise plays oil baron Digger Rockwell. For the part he wore grey hair, facial prosthetics and a padded bodysuit. He has called the character "outrageous and unpredictable". He told GQ the role "is the culmination of all my skills" and "I've never done it before," according to ABC News.

For fans of red-carpet reunions, this one had history. William and Kate previously attended the Top Gun: Maverick premiere with Cruise in 2022. Cruise has said he has known the couple for a number of years, the BBC reported. He also met Diana, Princess of Wales, and attended her funeral in 1997.