Tom Cruise's recent effusive praise for Kate Middleton was not just Hollywood flattery, according to royal experts, but rather a reflection of her esteemed position within the royal family. The Prince and Princess of Wales attended the world premiere of Cruise's film "Digger" in London on Sept. 22, an event that led to the actor sharing particularly glowing assessments of Middleton.
"It was just so fun sitting there watching them watch it and for them to be part of it," Cruise said in an interview with "Extra" at the film's Los Angeles premiere. "I have so much respect for them, you know, they’re amazing people and how dedicated they are to their country and also…what they give to the world. They’re just beautiful people and fun, very funny."
He added of Middleton, "She’s got a great sense, incredible sense of humor... Obviously very intelligent and fun." Cruise also complimented her appearance, stating, "They’re so charismatic and so elegant... That dress that she was wearing? Stunning." He humorously remarked about Prince William, "William did well... Way to go, smart choice. Yeah, I gotta give it to William. Way to go. Smart choice."
These comments quickly garnered attention, with royal experts interpreting them as underscoring Middleton's unique status, rather than mere celebrity endorsement.
Royal expert Christopher Andersen told Fox News Digital that Cruise's admiration highlights why Middleton has become one of the royal family's most significant assets, pointing to her widespread popularity and unblemished reputation. "Do not underestimate the importance of her immense popularity," Andersen said. "Kate Middleton is universally adored, and unlike most celebrities, is virtually untouched by scandal. Like everybody else on the planet, Tom Cruise certainly wouldn't mind having some of that fairy dust rub off on him."
Andersen, author of "Kate!: The Courage, Grace, and Power of the Woman Who Will Be Queen," also suggested Cruise was likely drawn to Middleton's considerable style and beauty. "If she wasn't movie-star gorgeous and stunningly fashionable, I don't think Tom Cruise would be drooling all over her," he stated.
Royal commentator Amanda Matta echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Cruise's remarks recognized Middleton's central role in the success of the Wales brand. "She wasn’t born into nobility, but that worked in her favor to help the Palace connect with the modern public," Matta explained. "Kate’s grounded humor and elegance are both central to William's public image now, and the public’s warmth toward her is one of the monarchy’s most valuable assets."
Richard Fitzwilliams, another royal commentator, told Fox News Digital that Cruise's comments aligned with public perception. "He’s just saying what most people think," Fitzwilliams said. "She is exquisite, her intelligence, humor and dress sense are part of her personality, which has given them both a worldwide aura as a couple. This is of enormous help to Britain, as soft power is so significant and also to the charities they both do so much for."
Cruise's long-standing connection to the British royal family, dating back to his meeting with Princess Diana in 1992, adds weight to his observations. He developed a friendship with Diana and later hosted her sons, William and Prince Harry, on the set of "Mission: Impossible." Following Diana's death, Cruise was reportedly devastated and paid tribute at her funeral.
More recently, Cruise has fostered a relationship with Prince William and Kate Middleton. He hosted a special screening of "Top Gun: Maverick" for the couple, who later attended the film's London premiere at his invitation. Cruise noted at the time that he and William "both love England, and we're both aviators. We both love flying."
Andersen believes Cruise's admiration for Kate Middleton is well-founded, drawing parallels to Diana's public appeal. "Obviously Kate is meeting, if not transcending, the public's inevitable expectations based on her Diana-like approachability," he said.
Royal expert Hilary Fordwich commented that Cruise's remarks captured Middleton's essential qualities. "His remark managed to sum up what is so immensely universally appealing about her, that she is dignified, discreet, elegant, intelligent and poised all whilst being wonderfully warm as well as interested in others, so authentically," she stated. Fordwich also noted that Cruise's association with Diana made his compliments to the Waleses particularly impactful, linking them to Diana's "extraordinary public magnetism, the most beneficial aspect of her legacy, her accessibility and emotional connection with all of whom she met."