The Princess of Wales dazzled in a selection of historic royal jewels at the world premiere of Tom Cruise's Digger last night. Kate, 44, was a vision in purple on the star-studded red carpet as she stepped out in Jenny Packham's Grape Cutout Pleated Silk-Chiffon Gown from the esteemed designer's Fall/Winter 2016 collection. The mother-of-three paired the flowing gown with Jimmy Choo's J Box Bordeaus Velvet Clutch bag and a pair of burgundy Velvet Pumps from the fashion house. In a loving tribute to her late mother-in-law, Kate opted for the Collingwood diamond and pearl drop earrings that were famously gifted to Princess Diana before her wedding to King Charles in 1981. However, a standout feature in the royal's striking look was the Queen Mother's amethyst sauron necklace. Etched in royal history, the elegant heart-shaped jewellery was also worn by Queen Camilla at the Royal World Premiere of 'Skyfall' at the Royal Albert Hall on October 23, 2012. Gifted from Queen Alexandra, wife of Edward VII, to the late Queen Mother to mark her engagement to the future George VI in 1923, the impeccable jewel features amethysts, diamonds and seed pearls with a large amethyst heart at its centre.

Kate's red carpet attire at the event in London last night left royal fans stunned, while Prince William looked dapper in black tie, wearing a velvet evening jacket and highly polished shoes as he waved to the crowd. The Princess of Wales was also helped down the steps to the cinema by Tom Cruise. Both Kate and William had met the actor four years prior at the UK premiere of his hit film Top Gun: Maverick in May 2022.

They were pictured beaming as they chatted to the Hollywood legend ahead of the screening of his new film, as well as filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu. Cruise and the future king have also worked together at an event to support the London Air Ambulance charity. The star is even reported to have organised a special screening of the movie for the Wales family after hearing the prince was a huge fan of the 1986 original. Speaking about the Prince and Princess before their arrival, Cruise said: 'I just love them. They are lovely people and I have great respect for them.'

He has said of William: 'We have a lot in common. We both love England and we're both aviators. We both love flying.' Digger is a satirical black comedy with Cruise playing a wealthy oil tycoon who unleashes an environmental disaster and then tries to prove he is the only man capable of saving the world. The last Royal Film Performance was the premiere of Gladiator II in November 2024, which was attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla. The King is patron of the Film and TV Charity, which benefits from royal premieres.

Tuesday's event was the 73rd Royal Film Performance in the organisation's 100-year history. William and Kate were escorted down the red carpet by Marcus Ryder, chief executive of the Film and TV Charity, and chair Claire Tavenier where they were warmly greeted by Cruise and filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu. Cruise initially stood with his hands clasped but then kissed the princess on each cheek. The group stood chatting for several minutes longer than planned, laughing and joking uproariously.

Mr Ryder joked to Cruise: 'So, my one job was to introduce the Prince and Princess of Wales to you but you beat me to it.' The royals were then introduced by Cruise to members of the cast and creative team, including Riz Ahmed, before he escorted them to the cinema, holding the princess' hand as he helped her walk down the steps. There was also an unexpected moment as David Beckham and two of his sons, Cruz and Romeo, waited in black tie to greet them and posed for a brief photocall. The princess was seen giving the boys a thumbs up.

Inside the cinema, the Prince and Princess of Wales were introduced to a line-up of beneficiaries from the Film and Television Charity including Chloe Malone, 27, who only last year was sleeping rough and is still in temporary accommodation. Now, however, she is about to embark on a production course at the National Film and Television School thanks to the charity. She praised it for 'saving' her and thanked William for his work to eradicate homelessness. The princess was also presented with a posy and a programme by Evie Peters, seven, while four-year-old Sahrae-Lea Herbert gave the prince a programme. Both girls, who had been waiting excitedly for them, executed beautiful curtseys. 'Thank you for my lovely flowers,' Catherine said.