Kate Middleton didn’t hold back on the glamour for tonight’s Royal Film Performance. The Princess of Wales swept onto the black carpet in a flowing purple gown and historic royal jewels for the world premiere of Digger at ODEON Luxe Leicester Square.
Kate wore a bespoke Jenny Packham gown, pairing the jewel-toned design with the Queen Mother’s Amethyst Sautoir Necklace and Princess Diana’s Collingwood pearl-drop earrings.
The rarely seen necklace has its own connection to the silver screen. Queen Camilla wore it to the world premiere of Skyfall in 2012, another Royal Film Performance.
The Princess walked the carpet with Prince William, who has served as President of BAFTA since 2010. The couple also reunited with Tom Cruise.
The trio last walked the carpet together at the 2022 Royal Film Performance for Top Gun: Maverick. Kate delivered one of her most memorable eveningwear looks that night, choosing a sleek black-and-white Roland Mouret gown. The fitted, floor-length design featured a dramatic off-the-shoulder neckline and contrasting white band.
The evening also produced this front-page-worthy moment, when Cruise offered Kate his hand as she climbed a set of steps:
Tonight, Cruise repeated the gesture, once again offering the Princess his hand as they negotiated the steps.
The royal couple also met Sir David Beckham, who attended the premiere with his sons Romeo and Cruz. The three Beckhams were photographed chatting with William and Kate on the carpet.
Salma Hayek and Hannah Waddingham were among the other famous faces attending the screening.
Digger is a new dark comedy starring Cruise as eccentric oil tycoon Digger Rockwell. It is directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu, whose previous films include Birdman and The Revenant.
Details of the story have been kept closely guarded, although Cruise has described the film as a “comedy of catastrophic proportions”.
The cast also includes Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Jesse Plemons, Riz Ahmed, Sophie Wilde and Emma D’Arcy.
Tonight’s premiere marked the 73rd Royal Film Performance. The tradition dates back to 1946 and raises money for the Film and TV Charity, which provides practical, emotional and financial support to people working behind the scenes in the industry. Its services include a 24-hour helpline, counselling and financial grants.
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