Tom Cruise divides opinion following sweet gesture to Kate Middleton

Holding the hand of a member of the Royal Family is usually a mission impossible – but not for Tom Cruise.

At the black-tie premiere of Cruise’s new movie, Digger, at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square, the Oscar winner gleefully greeted the Prince and Princess of Wales, giving Kate’s hand a big squeeze, then holding it as he helped her down the red-carpeted stairs.

The Princess looked delighted to be reunited with the A-lister, but not everyone was enthralled with his sweet gesture.

Said royal fans under a post on the royal couple’s Instagram: "Beautiful dress. Beautiful colour for her. Tom Cruise should keep his hands to himself."

The Prince and Princess of Wales attended the black-tie premiere of Tom Cruise’s new movie, Digger, in London yesterday (Chris Jackson / Staff / Getty Images)

"Tom sure likes to hold HRH's hand, but he is just being a gentleman, and I am not upset, but I think it’s funny he’s even starstruck. But wow, the royal couple does look amazing," said another.

"Tom Cruise just can’t help himself – bless him. The Princess of Wales did look absolutely stunning, so we all get it, Tom."

Kate indeed did look stunning in her go-to designer Jenny Packham dress accessorised with some very special jewellery, while William was wearing a dapper black velvet tuxedo.

To be fair to Cruise, the royal etiquette on holding hands isn’t exactly clear.

"There are no obligatory codes of behaviour when meeting The King and Queen or a member of the Royal Family, but many people wish to observe the traditional forms," according to the Royal Family’s official website.

Cruise could be seen walking Kate Middleton down the steps during the star-studded premiere (Chris Jackson / Staff / Getty Images)

"For men this is a neck bow (from the head only) whilst women do a small curtsy. Other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way."

Cruise was equally as friendly to the Duke of Wales. Hello! Magazine reports that he said, "Great jacket," as he greeted the royal duo in front of the cameras.

Their last public red carpet appearance was in May 2022 at the UK premiere of Top Gun: Maverick.

"I just love them. They are lovely people, and I have great respect for them," he told reporters at the 22 September event.

He added once inside: "We want to thank the Royal Highnesses for supporting this event, and just to tell them that we love them and we really appreciate what they do for the arts, for this country and for the world."

Yesterday's event marked the 73rd Royal Film Performance, which is a long-running tradition where members of the Royal Family attend a major film screening to support the British film industry and raise money for the Film and TV Charity.

Alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales, other famous attendees included David Beckham, Salma Hayek, Hannah Waggingham and Riz Ahmed, just to name a handful.