The Prince and Princess of Wales stepped onto the red carpet in Leicester Square on 22 September 2026 for the London premiere of ‘Digger’, the latest film starring Tom Cruise, held as a Film and TV Charity gala at the Odeon Luxe. The couple were reunited with Cruise, a familiar face at royal engagements, who greeted them warmly before the screening and posed with them for photographs as fans gathered behind the barriers.
The Princess drew much of the attention in a floor-length jewel-toned gown by Jenny Packham with sheer balloon sleeves. She paired it with the Queen Mother’s amethyst necklace and a set of earrings that once belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales, a quietly personal choice that royal watchers were quick to note. Prince William opted for a classic dinner jacket that earned an approving word from Cruise as the two chatted along the carpet.
The evening supported the Film and TV Charity, which helps people who work behind the scenes in the industry. Speaking about the royal couple, Cruise said, “I just love them. They are lovely people and I have great respect for them.” The actor has appeared alongside members of the family before, including at a concert marking the King’s coronation, and the two share an easy rapport that was on display again in Leicester Square.
Away from the cameras, William tried his hand at the cinema’s self-service ticketing system, joking about his lack of practice at the till. The premiere combined celebrity wattage with the charitable purpose that royal film performances have carried for decades, drawing a crowd of cast, crew and industry figures to the West End for the first public showing of the picture.
For the Princess of Wales, the appearance marked another confident public outing in a year that has seen her steadily return to a full schedule. Red carpet engagements let the Waleses lend their profile to causes that depend on visibility, and the pairing of Hollywood star power with a working charity is a formula the couple have used before to good effect. The night was as much about the fund as the film.
