The royal couple arrived on the black‑tied red carpet in formal wear – William in a double‑breasted velvet tuxedo and Kate in a floor‑sweeping purple Jenny Packham gown, complemented by Diana, Princess of Wales’s earrings and the Queen Mother’s amethyst sautoir necklace.
Tom Cruise, who arrived in a jacket that prompted a “great jacket” comment from the prince, met the royals alongside director Alejandro G Inarritu, before the screening began.
The screening, hosted by Warner Bros. Pictures and the Film and TV Charity, marked the 73rd royal film performance, with proceeds earmarked for the charity’s 24/7 helpline, free counselling, financial grants and mental‑health initiatives for industry workers.
Among the celebrity guests were Sir David Beckham and his sons Romeo and Cruz, who paused for photographs with William and Kate before entering the theatre.
Cast members Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Jesse Plemons and Emma D’Arcy also chatted briefly with the royals before the film’s start.
Digger, described as a satirical black comedy, follows a powerful oil tycoon who attempts to position himself as humanity’s saviour after his company triggers a global environmental disaster.
During the event, William and Kate met charity representatives and beneficiaries, including 27‑year‑old Chloe Malone, who credited the charity with moving her from rough‑sleeping to temporary accommodation and a place at the National Film and Television School.
The royal couple’s presence underscored their ongoing support for the Film and TV Charity, which they have championed at previous royal film performances, including the 2022 UK premiere of Cruise’s Top Gun: Maverick.