Kate Middleton didn’t hold back on the glamour on Tuesday evening.
The Princess of Wales took to the black carpet in a flowing purple gown and historic royal jewels for the Royal Film Premiere of 'Digger' at ODEON Luxe Leicester Square.
For the premiere, Kate wore a bespoke Jenny Packham gown, pairing the jewel-toned design with the Queen Mother’s Amethyst Sautoir Necklace and Princess Diana’s Collingwood pearl-drop earrings—both heirloom jewels. She finished the look with a bordeaux velvet clutch and matching heels. (I’ve broken down every piece below. Skip to the outfit?)
The Princess walked the carpet with Prince William, who has served as President of BAFTA since 2010. The couple also reunited with Tom Cruise.
The trio last walked the carpet together at the 2022 Royal Film Performance for Top Gun: Maverick. Kate delivered one of her most memorable eveningwear looks that night, choosing a sleek black-and-white Roland Mouret gown. The fitted, floor-length design featured a dramatic off-the-shoulder neckline and contrasting white band.
The evening also produced this front-page-worthy moment, when Cruise offered Kate his hand as she climbed a set of steps:
On Tuesday, Cruise repeated the gesture, once again offering the Princess his hand as they negotiated the steps.
The royal couple also met Sir David Beckham, who attended the premiere with his sons Romeo and Cruz. The three Beckhams were photographed chatting with William and Kate on the carpet.
Salma Hayek and Hannah Waddingham were among the other famous faces attending the screening.
Inside, seven-year-old Evie Peters presented Kate with flowers and a programme, while four-year-old Sahrae-Lea Herbert gave William a programme. Both girls greeted the couple with curtseys. Kate thanked Evie for her flowers.
Digger is a new dark comedy starring Cruise as eccentric oil tycoon Digger Rockwell. It is directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu, whose previous films include Birdman and The Revenant.
Details of the story were kept closely guarded, although Cruise described the film as a “comedy of catastrophic proportions”.
The cast also includes Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Jesse Plemons, Riz Ahmed, Sophie Wilde and Emma D’Arcy.
Tonight’s premiere marked the 73rd Royal Film Performance. The tradition dates back to 1946 and raises money for the Film and TV Charity, which provides practical, emotional and financial support to people working
behind the scenes in the industry. Its services include a 24-hour helpline, counselling and financial grants.
The couple also met people helped by the charity, including Chloe Malone. After experiencing homelessness, she secured a place on a production course at the National Film and Television School with the charity’s support. It brought the purpose of the glittering premiere into focus: helping the people who make film and television possible.
Let's move on to Kate's outfit now.
Kate’s outfit
Wow, talk about a gown moment! The Princess looked fantastic in the deep grape-purple chiffon gown. I think the flowing, pleated silhouette brought all the drama that a film premiere calls for.
Kate chose largely kept to tonal purple palette, accessorising with burgundy velvet accessories—the heirloom pearls and amethysts gave the look an unmistakably royal finish.
Let's start by looking at Kate's purple Jenny Packham gown. It looks like a commission, based on a design from the designer's autumn/winter 2016 collection (see below).
The original grape-coloured chiffon gown had a deep V-neck, pleated bodice, flowing skirt and exposed shoulders. Kate’s version. closes the shoulders and adds long, billowing sleeves; the back opening is also less pronounced.
Jenny Packham is one of Kate's go-tos for red carpet events. The British designer has supplied many of the Princess's memorable evening looks over the years. The light chiffon gave this design movement while its strong colour stood out beautifully against the black carpet.
The eye-catching purple dress called for an equally bold piece of jewellery. Kate selected a piece known as 'The Queen Mother’s Amethyst Sautoir Necklace.' This historic piece combines rows of pearls with diamond-set amethysts and a
large heart-shaped amethyst pendant.
It was commissioned by Queen Alexandra, who gave it to Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the future Queen Mother, as a wedding present in 1923.
The stunning piece has rarely appeared in public—though it does have its own connection to the silver screen. Queen Camilla (then the Duchess of Cornwall) wore a shortened version of the piece to the world premiere of Skyfall in 2012.
Let's look at Kate's earrings next. Kate chose pearls, to echo the pearls in the necklace without competing with its amethyst centrepiece. She brought back the famous 'Collingwood' drops that once belonged to Princess Diana.
Diana received the earrings as a wedding gift from Collingwood, a jeweller long associated with the Spencer family.
Each earring starts with a round diamond stud, followed by a smaller diamond and a tapered, diamond-set cap. A large, pear-shaped pearl hangs beneath.
Kate's worn them regularly—in public—for nearly a decade now. (Since 2017.)
Onto Kate's burgundy accessories. Let's start with the Jimmy Choo 'J Box' clutch.
Kate carried the evening bag in 'bordeaux velvet', with a cool silver-tone metal frame.
The bag is a 'repeat', we first spotted her carrying the item in October 2018 at the opening of the Photography Centre at the V&A. This is only the second time we've seen her with it, to date.
Unfortunately, the piece is no longer available to buy—though reseller sites and auction sites like eBay have them listed in other colours from time to time.
Kate's floor-length gown obscured our view of the shoes, but they do appear to match the clutch.
They are thought to be Jimmy Choo’s Romy 100 style in velvet (similar to the pair shown below).
Kate also debuted these shoes—along with the clutch—at the V&A in 2018. Photos taken during the engagement show Jimmy Choo's logo on the sole of the shoe.
Those wanting to buy the exact pair will be disapointed I'm afraid. Jimmy Choo no longer stock the Romy style in their ready-to-wear offering. Their made-to-order tool includes the shoe, but sadly, velvet is not a fabric option.
These Gianvito Rossi 105 pumps might be a good alternative. Kate owns this shoe in more than 10 shades. This burgundy velvet is a gorgeous option if you're looking for something similar.
Kate has regularly turned to Jimmy Choo for her evening bags and shoes.
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