Sweet moment Hollywood royalty Tom Cruise helps Princess Kate into the cinema at the premiere of his new film Digger - as she and William join stars at Leicester Square

Tom Cruise was the perfect gentleman as he guided Princess Kate down the steps to the cinema at the world premiere of his new film. 

The Prince and Princess of Wales dazzled on the red carpet tonight as they joined the acting legend in London's Leicester Square.

While it's hard to outshine Hollywood royalty, all eyes were on the future king and queen as they arrived for the Royal Film Performance of 'Digger' at the Odeon Luxe. 

There had been huge anticipation in advance of the princess's latest red carpet look, and Princess Kate did not disappoint in a purple flowing gown by Jenny Packham with a daring gap at the back.

Her jewels were even more eye-catching, as she wore the Queen Mother's amethyst sauron necklace paired with pearl earrings belonging to Diana, Princess of Wales, showed off to perfection with a heavy curled hairstyle pulled back at the side. 

The dazzling necklace had also been worn by Queen Camilla at the Royal World Premiere of 'Skyfall' at the Royal Albert Hall on October 23, 2012. 

Prince William looked dapper in black tie, wearing a velvet evening jacket and highly polished shoes as he waved to the crowd, which had turned out en masse to watch Hollywood stars - and royalty - walk the red carpet. 

It was something of a reunion for the couple and Cruise, 64, who met at the UK premiere of his hit film Top Gun: Maverick in May 2022. 

Tom Cruise guided Princess Kate down the stairs into the cinema for the world premiere of his new film

The royals met with Hollywood royalty on the red carpet in London's Leicester Square 

The Princess of Wales beamed as she met the stars behind Cruise's new film, Digger, at the Royal Film Performance 

The Prince and Princess of Wales arriving at the Digger world premiere on Tuesday night

The royal couple posed for the cameras on the red carpet alongside Hollywood's Tom Cruise 

Kate stunned in a purple flowing gown by Jenny Packham, while William looked dapper in black tie 

It was something of a reunion for the royals and Cruise, 64, who met at the UK premiere of his hit film Top Gun: Maverick in May 2022

Kate's purple loveheart necklace was also worn by Queen Camilla at the Royal World Premiere of 'Skyfall' at the Royal Albert Hall on October 23, 2012 (pictured)

Acting legend Tom Cruise joined the Prince and Princess of Wales on the red carpet for the premiere of his new film, Digger, in Leicester Square

Tom Cruise stars as Digger Rockwell in the new satirical black comedy film Digger

They were pictured beaming as they chatted to the Hollywood legend ahead of the screening of his new film, as well as filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu. 

They even posed backstage for a picture with the Beckhams, as David and his sons Cruz, 21, and Romeo, 24, smiled backstage at the Digger premiere. 

Cruise and the future king have also worked together at an event to support the London Air Ambulance charity. 

The star is even reported to have organised a special screening of the movie for the Wales family after hearing the prince was a huge fan of the 1986 original.

Speaking about the Prince and Princess before their arrival, Cruise said: 'I just love them. They are lovely people and I have great respect for them.'

The star and the future king have also worked together at an event to support the London Air Ambulance charity.

He has said of William: 'We have a lot in common. We both love England and we're both aviators. We both love flying.' 

Tonight, Cruise was the perfect gentleman, taking Princess Kate's hand as he helped her down the stairs in her gown as she clutched a black purse, while William waved to the crowd.   

Prince William arrived earlier today at the ActOne community cinema in Acton, west London

2022: William and Kate met Tom Cruise at the Royal Film Performance for Top Gun: Maverick

History of the Royal Film Performance

Initially called the 'Royal Command Film Performance', the first Royal Film Performance took place at the Empire Cinema in Leicester Square in 1946.

The film was A Matter Of Life And Death, and it was attended by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth with Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret.

Here are the last eight performances:

• 2026: Digger - attended by William and Kate
• 2024: Gladiator II - Charles
• 2022: Top Gun: Maverick - William and Kate
• 2019: 1917 - Charles and Camilla
• 2015: Spectre - William, Kate and Harry
• 2013: Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom - William and Kate
• 2012: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - William
• 2011: Hugo - Charles and Camilla

The premiere, hosted by Warner Bros and held in aid of the Film and TV Charity, saw William and Catherine greeted by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of London.

They were escorted down the red carpet by Marcus Ryder, chief executive of the Film and TV Charity, and chair Claire Tavenier where they were warmly by Cruise and filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu.

Cruise initially stood with his hands clasped but then kissed the princess on each cheek. The group stood chatting for several minutes longer than planned, laughing and joking uproariously.

Mr Ryder joked to Cruise: 'So, my one job was to introduce the Prince and Princess of Wales to you but you beat me to it.'

The royals were then introduced by Cruise to members of the cast and creative team, including Riz Ahmed, before he escorted them to the cinema, holding the princess' hand as he helped her walk down the steps.

Inside the cinema, William and Catherine 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 thanked 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 gave the Prince a programme. Both girls, who had been waiting excitedly for them, executed beautiful curtseys.

'Thank you for my lovely flowers,' Catherine said.

There was also an unexpected moment as David Beckham and two of his sons, Cruz and Romeo, waited in black tie to great them and posed for a brief photocall. The princess was seen giving the boys a thumbs up.

Digger is a satirical black comedy with Cruise playing a wealthy oil tycoon who unleashes an environmental disaster and then tries to prove he is the only man capable of saving the world.

The last Royal Film Performance was the premiere of Gladiator II in November 2024, which was attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla.

The King is patron of the Film and TV Charity, which benefits from royal premieres. 

Tonight's event is the 73rd Royal Film Performance in the organisation's 100-year history.

The charity provides support to those across the film, television and cinema industries, many working behind the scenes, with everything from mental and physical wellbeing to financial support. This includes a 24/7 helpline, free counselling and financial grants.

Prince William is also president of BAFTA, which supports film, television and video game production in the UK.

Digger was filmed at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire.

Kensington Palace said the Prince of Wales was 'passionate about championing the British cinema industry', from nurturing emerging talent and local filmmakers to celebrating major international productions.

His appearance tonight came after a visit to the ActOne independent community cinema in Acton, West London, where he served popcorn to shocked filmgoers and attempted to use the till.

He also met local filmmakers who have been supported by ActOne, highlighting the vital role grassroots organisations play in opening up opportunities for young people.