The Prince and Princess of Wales recently renewed their friendship with Hollywood star Tom Cruise at the London premiere of his latest film, ‘Digger’. Their appearance on Tuesday, September 22, in Leicester Square has generated considerable interest, particularly due to Cruise’s effusive praise and Princess Catherine’s notable jewellery choices.
Royal Reunion and Cruise’s Admiration
Prince William and Princess Catherine joined Cruise on a black carpet – a departure from the traditional red – for a royal gala screening of ‘Digger’ at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square. According to People.com, Cruise later spoke highly of the couple on The Graham Norton Show, describing them as “amazing — very charismatic.” He added, “I had such a good time.” Cruise also complimented Prince William on his “great jacket,” referring to the royal’s black velvet ensemble, as reported by the BBC.
This event marked another high-profile collaboration between the royals and the actor, following their appearance together at the U.K. premiere of ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ in May 2022. The premiere was the 73rd Royal Film Performance, held to support the U.K.’s Film and TV Charity, which provides assistance for mental wellbeing and financial help to those in the industry. Other notable guests included David Beckham and his sons, Cruz and Romeo.
Princess Catherine’s Significant Jewellery Choices
Princess Catherine’s attire drew particular attention, with her choosing a rich plum Jenny Packham gown. Her accessories included two pieces with deep royal history. She wore a pair of pearl drop earrings that had previously belonged to William’s late mother, Princess Diana. These earrings, given to Diana by jewellers Collingwood, became a mainstay in her collection and were frequently worn for significant occasions. Catherine herself has worn them on multiple occasions, including the annual Festival of Remembrance in 2024 and a VE Day service last year.
Additionally, Catherine showcased the Queen Mother’s amethyst sautoir necklace, a rarely seen piece that has been in the royal vaults for generations, according to Tatler. This glamorous necklace, featuring a heart-shaped amethyst, pearls, and diamonds, was originally owned by Queen Alexandra and was a wedding gift to Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (the future Queen Mother) in 1923. Before Catherine, the necklace was most recently seen on Queen Camilla (then the Duchess of Cornwall) at the 2012 premiere of ‘Skyfall’.
‘Digger’ Film and Wider Royal Context
‘Digger’ stars Cruise as a grey-haired oil baron tasked with cleaning up his environmental impact. The film, directed by Oscar winner Alejandro González Iñárritu, has received mixed initial reactions from critics. IndieWire’s Anne Thompson described it as “a brave and gorgeous art film,” while Awards Radar editor Joey Magidson called it “a mess.” Similar to the mixed reception for ‘Digger’, our review for Slow Horses Season Six also highlighted varied critical opinions.
The royal outing occurred during a busy period for the Royal Family. It coincided with the release of Charles Spencer’s new memoir about his sister, Princess Diana, and renewed attention on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to the U.K. Both William and Harry declined to comment on these matters during separate recent appearances. For insights into other royal family developments, readers might be interested in our coverage on Prince George to Eton: Oxfordshire and UK Impact.
During the event, a light-hearted moment occurred when Claire Tavernier, chair of the Film and TV Charity, accidentally stepped on the train of Princess Catherine’s gown. Catherine appeared unfazed, laughing as she regained her balance and continued into the premiere.
