The story in 30 seconds
- Prince William and Princess Kate attended the world premiere of Tom Cruise's new film Digger on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
- Kate wore a flowing purple Jenny Packham gown with the Queen Mother's Amethyst Sautoir — a necklace first gifted in 1923.
- Cruise held Kate's hand to help her down the stairs — a moment fans are loving (and a few are criticising).
- It is the couple's first film premiere since Top Gun: Maverick in May 2022.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, owned the night in London. Alongside Prince William, she arrived at the Royal Film Performance and global premiere of Digger — Tom Cruise's new film from Oscar-winning director Alejandro G. Iñárritu — held across Leicester Square and the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square in aid of the Film and TV Charity.
The whole square was turned into a giant set, with props and oversized images from the film lining the red carpet. But when the royals arrived, every camera turned one way.
The Moment Everyone Is Talking About
Cruise greeted the couple warmly on arrival. Then came the scene that took over social media: the actor took Kate's hand and guided her down the red-carpeted stairs toward the screening room — a spontaneous, old-school gesture captured by photographers from every angle.
Before heading inside, the royals spent around ten minutes chatting with Cruise and Iñárritu, and reports say Cruise at one point had William and Kate laughing out loud. On the carpet, Iñárritu walked alongside William while Cruise escorted Kate down the line to meet the cast.
💚 Team "True Gentleman"
Most fans saw pure charm — a friend helping a princess in a floor-length gown down a staircase, the same way he did in 2022.
🧡 Team "Too Much?"
Some royal watchers felt it broke protocol. One commenter wrote: "Tom Cruise should keep his hands to himself."
Kate's Look, Piece by Piece
Kate chose a colour with deep royal meaning — purple — and turned it into one of her boldest red-carpet looks yet. Fashion commentators noted it is the first time she has worn a purple ballgown of this kind.
The gown — Jenny Packham
Floor-length purple chiffon with long semi-sheer sleeves, a ruched bodice and her most daring plunging neckline to date. Packham skipped her signature sequins for a cleaner, flowing silhouette.
The necklace — Queen Mother's Amethyst Sautoir
Strands of pearls with diamonds and amethysts, ending in a heart-shaped amethyst pendant framed in diamonds. A wedding gift from Queen Alexandra to the future Queen Mother in 1923.
The earrings — Collingwood Pearl Drops
A quiet tribute to Princess Diana: these pearl drops were a gift to Diana before she became a princess.
💡 Did you know? The last time this necklace appeared at a film premiere was in 2012, when then-Duchess Camilla — now Queen Camilla — wore it to the Skyfall premiere. It had rarely been seen in public since.
What Tom Cruise Said About the Royals
When the cast went on stage before the screening, Cruise took the microphone to thank the Prince and Princess of Wales for supporting the event and the charity:
We love them and we really appreciate what they do for the arts.
— Tom Cruise, on stage at the Digger premiere (via Variety)Déjà Vu: The Same Gesture, Four Years Apart
This wasn't the first time Cruise played royal escort. At the Top Gun: Maverick premiere in Leicester Square in May 2022, he also offered Kate a helping hand on the steps. The friendship with William runs deep too — Cruise had invited the couple to an early private screening of that film.
What Is Digger About?
Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu (Birdman, The Revenant), Digger stars Cruise as the world's most powerful man, racing to save humanity from a disaster he caused himself. Reports describe it as a political satire, and it was filmed in England. It opens in cinemas on October 2.
Who else walked the carpet
A Royal Friendship in Five Moments
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Kate Middleton wear to the Digger premiere?
A floor-length purple chiffon gown by Jenny Packham, the Queen Mother's Amethyst Sautoir necklace, and Princess Diana's Collingwood pearl drop earrings.
Did Tom Cruise hold Kate Middleton's hand?
Yes. Cruise held Kate's hand to help her down the stairs toward the screening room. He made a similar gesture at the Top Gun: Maverick premiere in 2022.
When was Kate's last film premiere?
May 2022, at the London premiere of Top Gun: Maverick — about four years before the Digger premiere.
How old is Kate's amethyst necklace?
About 103 years old. Queen Alexandra gave it to Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the future Queen Mother, as a wedding gift in 1923.
When is Digger released?
Digger, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu and starring Tom Cruise, opens in cinemas on October 2, 2026.
The Bottom Line
Four years after Top Gun, Kate is back on the premiere carpet — and she came with a message in purple and a century-old jewel. Tom Cruise gave the night its most viral moment, but the royal heirloom may be the detail history remembers.
Gentleman or too much? Share and tell us 👇
