The Prince and Princess of Wales renewed their friendship with Tom Cruise at the premiere of the Hollywood star’s latest film in London on Tuesday.

Cruise took the hand of Catherine, Princess of Wales, as they talked and laughed on a black carpet – instead of the traditional red – before the royal gala screening of Digger in Leicester Square.

Cruise has known the prince and princess for a number of years and also met William’s mother, Princess Diana, and attended her funeral in 1997.

Catherine wore a pair of Diana’s pearl drop earrings to the premiere on Tuesday, as well as the late Queen Mother’s amethyst sautoir necklace.

Cruise complimented Prince William on his “great jacket”, referring to the prince’s black velvet jacket.

Catherine wore a purple, floor-length Jenny Packham dress.

David Beckham was among the other big names at the premiere, along with his sons Cruz and Romeo.

Digger sees Cruise transformed into a grey-haired oil baron who has to clean up his environmental mess, and is directed by Oscar winner Alejandro González Iñárritu.

Full reviews have not yet been published, but critics’ reactions on social media have been mixed.

IndieWire’s Anne Thompson described it as “a brave and gorgeous art film that will not score with mainstream audiences but will play best for the Academy” – referring to the Oscars voters.

But Awards Radar editor Joey Magidson said it is “a mess” and “wasn’t enjoyable”.

The film will be released in the UK and US on 2 October.