The Princess of Wales laughed off an almost disastrous wardrobe mishap as she arrived at the world premiere of Tom Cruise’s new film, Digger, on Tuesday.
Kate, 44, looked elegant in a flowing purple Jenny Packham gown as she joined Prince William on the star-studded red carpet at London’s Odeon in Leicester Square. The prince wore a smart black-tie ensemble for the occasion.
Video footage showed just how narrowly Kate avoided a fall as she entered the cinema alongside Marcus Ryder, chief executive of the Film and TV Charity, and the organisation’s chair, Claire Tavernier.
In an unfortunate accident, Ms Tavernier stepped on the train of Kate’s gown, briefly causing the princess to lose her footing.
Clearly horrified, Ms Tavernier raised her hand in apology. Kate, however, quickly recovered from the near trip and continued walking before breaking into laughter.
As Ms Tavernier apologised again, Kate responded with an understanding smile, appearing to reassure her in the short clip shared on social media.
The Princess of Wales narrowly avoided being tripped at the world premiere of Tom Cruise’s Digger last night. Source: The Royal Family Channel
Footage showed Claire Tavernier, chair of the Film and TV Charity, pictured left, accidentally stepping on the back of Kate’s gown. Source: The Royal Family Channel
Ms Tavernier immediately realised her mistake and raised her hand in apology. Kate appeared unfazed by the near mishap and instead burst into laughter. Source: The Royal Family Channel
The royal mother of three completed her look with Jimmy Choo’s J Box Bordeaux Velvet Clutch and matching Jimmy Choo Burgundy Velvet Pumps.
She accessorised with the Queen Mother’s amethyst sautoir necklace and Collingwood diamond and pearl drop earrings, which were famously given to Princess Diana before her 1981 wedding to Prince Charles.
Kate’s composed response was praised as a display of “class” and “grace” as she captivated onlookers with her glamorous red-carpet appearance.
“Catherine handled it perfectly, as always,” one royal fan wrote on X. Another praised her reaction, saying: “Catherine’s reaction was the best possible! So genuine and kind.”
Anticipation had been high for the princess’s latest red-carpet appearance, and Kate did not disappoint. She arrived with a beaming smile and was helped down the cinema steps by Cruise, 64.
The future queen and William were guided along the red carpet by Marcus Ryder, chief executive of the Film and TV Charity, alongside chair Claire Tavernier, pictured.
Kate, 44, received help from Tom Cruise, 64, as she made her way down the steps to the cinema after arriving in a striking Jenny Packham purple gown.
Kate, 44, exuded elegance in a stunning Jenny Packham purple gown at the star-studded red-carpet premiere in London’s Leicester Square.
Prince William looked equally dapper in a velvet dinner jacket and polished shoes as he waved to the crowds, who had gathered in large numbers to see Hollywood stars and royalty on the red carpet.
The premiere also reunited the royal couple with Cruise, whom they previously met at the UK premiere of his hit film Top Gun: Maverick in May 2022.
The actor is also reported to have arranged a special screening of the film for the Wales family after learning that Prince William was a major fan of the 1986 original.
Cruise and the future king have also worked together at an event to support the London Air Ambulance charity.
They were pictured beaming as they chatted to the Hollywood legend ahead of the screening of his new film, as well as its Alejandro G Iñárritu. 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.
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.’
The premiere, hosted by Warner Bros and held in aid of the Film and TV Charity, saw William and Catherine greeted by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of London.
William looked dapper in black tie, wearing a velvet evening jacket and highly polished shoes as he waved to the crowd, which had turned out en masse to watch Hollywood stars – and royalty – walk the red carpet
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.
Inside the cinema, William and Catherine were introduced to a line-up of beneficiaries from the Film and Television Charity.
These included Chloe Malone, 27, who only last year was sleeping rough and is still in temporary accommodation but 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 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.
The charity provides support to those across the film, television and cinema industries, many working behind the scenes, with everything from mental and physical wellbeing to financial support.
