David Beckham and his sons posed with the Prince and Princess of Wales at the star-studded premiere of Tom Cruise's new film, Digger, on Tuesday night.
The 51-year-old former footballer was joined by 21-year-old Cruz and 24-year-old Romeo for the photo opportunity at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square. Beckham's eldest son, 27-year-old Brooklyn, was notably absent amid an ongoing family feud.
Cruise, 64, who stars as Digger Rockwell in the new satirical comedy, hosted the royals for the Royal Film Performance. The event, hosted by Warner Bros, was held in aid of the Film and TV Charity.
Royal arrivals
Prince William wore black tie, a velvet evening jacket and highly polished shoes as he waved to the massed crowd that had gathered to watch Hollywood stars and royalty walk the red carpet.
Princess Kate wore a purple flowing gown by Jenny Packham featuring a daring gap at the back. Her heavy curled hairstyle was pulled back at the side, showing off pearl earrings belonging to Diana.
She also wore the Queen Mother's amethyst necklace, a dazzling piece previously worn by Queen Camilla at the Royal World Premiere of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall on October 23, 2012.
The royal couple were greeted by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of London, alongside Marcus Ryder, chief executive of the Film and TV Charity, and chair Claire Tavernier. They were escorted down the red carpet to meet Cruise and the film's director, Alejandro G Iñárritu.
Mr Ryder joked to the actor: "So, my one job was to introduce the Prince and Princess of Wales to you but you beat me to it."
Cruise initially stood with his hands clasped before kissing the princess on each cheek. The group stood chatting, laughing and joking uproariously for several minutes longer than planned.
Later in the evening, Cruise was the perfect gentleman, taking Princess Kate's hand and guiding her down the cinema stairs in her gown while she clutched a black purse.
Longstanding friendships
The Beckhams matched in smart tuxedos and posed with clasped hands. David and Tom have been long time friends since the Beckham clan moved to Los Angeles in 2007.
Both Cruz and Romeo were seen embracing the legendary actor.
Beckham received a knighthood from King Charles at Windsor Castle last November for his longstanding services to sport and charity, an honour he had made no secret of wishing for beforehand.
It was a reunion for Cruise and the royal couple, who met at the UK premiere of his hit film Top Gun: Maverick in May 2022. The actor is reported to have organised a special screening of the Top Gun sequel for the Wales family after hearing the prince was a huge fan of the 1986 original.
Cruise and the future king have also worked together at an event to support the London Air Ambulance charity.
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."
Of Prince William, he added: "We have a lot in common. We both love England and we're both aviators. We both love flying."
Inside the cinema
Cruise introduced the royals to members of the cast and creative team, including Riz Ahmed, before he escorted them to the cinema.
Inside, William and Catherine were introduced to a line-up of beneficiaries from the Film and Television Charity. They spoke with 27-year-old Chloe Malone, who was sleeping rough last year and is still in temporary accommodation. Thanks to the charity, she is about to embark on a production course at the National Film and Television School.
Malone praised the charity for "saving" her and thanked William for his work to eradicate homelessness.
The princess was presented with a posy and a programme by seven-year-old Evie Peters, while four-year-old Sahrae-Lea Herbert gave the prince a programme. Both girls had been waiting excitedly for the couple and executed beautiful curtsies.
"Thank you for my lovely flowers," Catherine said.
