Tom Cruise drew plenty of attention at the London premiere of his new film Digger after sharing a warm moment with Kate Middleton. The actor greeted the Princess of Wales at the black-tie event, squeezed her hand, and then held it while helping her carefully down the red-carpeted stairs. Kate appeared pleased by the friendly reunion, but the gesture quickly divided royal fans online. Some commenters felt Cruise should have kept his hands to himself, while others defended him, suggesting he was simply being polite and perhaps a little starstruck. The evening marked the 73rd Royal Film Performance, a long-running tradition supporting the British film industry and the Film and TV Charity.

Cruise also made a point of complimenting Prince William, reportedly telling him, “Great jacket,” when the couple arrived. Before the screening, the Hollywood star spoke warmly about William and Kate, saying he had great respect for them and appreciated their support for the arts. Kate attended in a striking purple Jenny Packham gown, paired with Diana, Princess of Wales’s earrings and the Queen Mother’s amethyst sautoir necklace, while William wore a black velvet tuxedo. Cruise chose a traditional black tuxedo finished with a cummerbund, bow tie, and patent leather cowboy boots inspired by his character. The royal couple’s appearance came four years after their last movie premiere, when they attended Top Gun: Maverick. They were also photographed with David Beckham’s sons, Cruz and Romeo, during the star-studded evening. The event brought together several other well-known names from entertainment.