Kate Middleton and Tom Cruise shared another memorable red carpet moment this week, and an expert believes Prince William was perfectly comfortable with it. The trio reunited at the royal gala screening of Digger in London, where Cruise once again escorted the Princess of Wales down a flight of stairs.
Expert reveals how Prince William reacted to Tom Cruise and Kate Middleton’s moment
The Hollywood star greeted Prince William and Kate Middleton warmly on the red carpet. He shook William’s hand, kissed Kate on both cheeks, and later offered her his hand while leading her into the theater.
The gesture mirrored a similar moment at the Top Gun: Maverick premiere in 2022. It quickly sparked discussion online after videos from the event spread across social media.
According to The Mirror, body language expert Judi James believes William did not appear bothered by Cruise’s chivalry. Instead, she suggested the Prince of Wales looked “bashful but happy” as Cruise escorted Kate.
James also pointed to Cruise’s warm body language toward the princess. She said the actor appeared genuinely impressed by Kate’s appearance and displayed respectful, welcoming gestures throughout their interaction.
Meanwhile, some viewers questioned why William did not help his wife down the steps himself. Several social media users criticized the prince, while others compared his behavior with Cruise’s.
Some commenters argued that Cruise looked more traditionally gentlemanly in that moment. Others claimed William has often been photographed walking ahead of Kate during public engagements. However, not everyone agreed with the criticism.
Some defended William, saying Kate is fully capable of managing the stairs on her own and did not appear uncomfortable at any point. There was also no indication that the Princess of Wales expected assistance or was upset during the event. She smiled throughout the evening and appeared relaxed while interacting with both her husband and Cruise.
The glamorous outing also showcased Kate’s elegant purple Jenny Packham gown, paired with Princess Diana’s pearl drop earrings and the Queen Mother’s amethyst necklace. Cruise, meanwhile, complimented William’s black velvet jacket before the royal couple entered the screening.
