Kate Middleton Stole the Show at the ‘Digger’ Premiere

Kate Middleton arrived at the world premiere of Digger in London with Prince William, wearing a custom purple Jenny Packham gown and historic pieces from the royal jewellery collection.

The Princess of Wales attended the premiere at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square on Tuesday, September 22, alongside William, Tom Cruise, David Beckham, Riz Ahmed, Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Jesse Plemons and Emma D’Arcy. The event was the 73rd Royal Film Performance, held to raise funds for The Film and TV Charity, which supports people working across the film and television industries.

Photo: Instagram/@Princeandprincessofwales

For the occasion, Kate chose a floor-length purple chiffon gown by Jenny Packham. The custom design had long sheer sleeves, a plunging neckline, a pleated bodice and a long train. The colour marked a more glamorous departure from some of her previous film-premiere looks, including the Roland Mouret gown she wore for Top Gun: Maverick in 2022 and the white Self-Portrait dress worn for the premiere of A Street Cat Named Bob in 2016.

British Vogue compared the look with the more elaborate gowns Kate has worn for the Royal Variety Performance, adding another reference point to her evening wear choices.

Photo: Getty Images

The jewellery brought a significant piece of royal history to the red carpet.

Kate wore the Queen Mother’s Amethyst Sautoir Necklace, which was presented by Queen Alexandra to Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in 1923, the year she married Prince Albert, Duke of York. The necklace consists of three strands of pearls and amethysts, with a large heart-shaped amethyst pendant surrounded by diamonds.

The necklace has previously appeared at another royal film premiere. Queen Camilla wore the piece with a purple gown for the London premiere of Skyfall in 2012. Kate’s appearance therefore marked the second time the necklace had been worn for a royal film premiere.

Photo:Instagram/@Princeandprincessofwales

She also wore Princess Diana’s Collingwood pearl-drop earrings. Kate wore her hair partly pulled back, leaving the earrings visible against the purple gown.

The evening also reunited Kate and William with Tom Cruise, whom they previously met at the London premiere of Top Gun: Maverick. Cruise greeted the couple on the red carpet, while William wore a double-breasted velvet tuxedo jacket that earned a compliment from the actor.

Photo: Instagram/@Princeandprincessofwales

Later, Cruise was seen holding Kate’s hand as he helped her down the stairs towards the screening.

Digger, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, stars Cruise as an oil tycoon whose company causes an environmental catastrophe, leaving him to try to repair the damage. The cast also includes Riz Ahmed, Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Jesse Plemons, Sophie Wilde, Michael Stuhlbarg and Emma D’Arcy.

With Kate’s purple Jenny Packham gown and two pieces of royal jewellery, the Princess of Wales brought a distinctly royal element to a premiere already packed with Hollywood and British stars.