Tom Cruise’s Two-Word Red Carpet Compliment to Prince William Revealed at London ‘Digger’ World Premiere
The high-profile red carpet reunion between Hollywood titan Tom Cruise and the Prince of Wales at the London world premiere of Digger featured a spontaneous, warm exchange that highlighted their enduring personal rapport. Greeting Prince William at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square on Tuesday evening, September 22, the 64-year-old action icon immediately took note of the royal’s bespoke formal tailoring, offering an appreciative two-word reaction: “Great jacket.” William cut a dashing figure in a classic double-breasted black-tie tuxedo jacket, while Cruise warmly greeted Princess Kate with a courteous kiss on the cheek as she stunned in a plum Jenny Packham gown accessorized with the Queen Mother’s historic amethyst sautoir necklace.
Prior to the royal couple’s arrival, Cruise spoke effusively to the press regarding his personal affection for William and Kate, stating: “I just love them. They are lovely people, and I have great respect for them.” The sentiment was echoed inside the auditorium when the cast of Digger took the stage, with Cruise formally thanking Their Royal Highnesses for attending the 73rd Royal Film Performance in support of the Film and TV Charity, expressing profound gratitude for their steadfast dedication to the creative arts, the United Kingdom, and global philanthropy.
The mutual admiration between Cruise and William extends across years of camaraderie, anchored primarily in their shared background as certified aviators. Speaking candidly at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards, William acknowledged his vocal admiration for Cruise’s cinematic craftsmanship, praising Top Gun: Maverick as one of the finest films in recent memory and noting that his children adore Cruise’s relentless commitment to authentic practical stunt work. This aviation bond previously surfaced during a 2024 gala for London’s Air Ambulance Charity, where William playfully teased his “fellow pilot” about not borrowing helicopters for stunt sequences, cementing a relationship that bridges cinematic spectacle with high-profile royal patronage.
