The friendship between Prince William and Tom Cruise might seem unexpected at first glance, but in recent years, it has quietly become one of the more intriguing crossovers between Hollywood and the royal family.
From red carpets to charity events, the pair have built a genuine connection rooted in shared interests, mutual respect and a long history that actually dates back decades. As “Top Gun” celebrates its 40th anniversary, their bond is once again in the spotlight, with both men openly supporting each other in public and behind the scenes.
Prince William has not held back when it comes to praising Cruise’s work. Speaking at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards, the royal admitted he might be “a little biased” when naming “Top Gun: Maverick” as one of his favorite films, calling it “one of the most incredible films I’ve watched in a long time.” He also questioned why the blockbuster did not receive more awards recognition, asking, “How could it not win anything?”
The admiration extends to his family as well. William shared that his children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, “absolutely adore” the film, especially the high-energy stunts, highlighting Cruise’s dedication to his craft, per Hello! Magazine.
A Friendship That Dates Back to Princess Diana
While their modern-day friendship has grown in the public eye, the connection between William and Cruise actually began when the prince was a child.
According to Marie Claire, William and Prince Harry were first introduced to Cruise in the 1990s thanks to their mother, Princess Diana. After meeting the actor at a 1992 film premiere, Diana later brought her sons to visit the “Mission: Impossible” set at Pinewood Studios in London.
The visit left a lasting impression. The young princes reportedly “absolutely loved” the experience, especially the action scenes and behind-the-scenes access, per Marie Claire. That early introduction created a unique link between William and the actor long before their friendship developed in adulthood.
Shared Passions Bring Them Closer
Their relationship became more visible in 2022 when Cruise arranged a private screening of “Top Gun: Maverick” for William and Princess Kate ahead of its release. Knowing William’s background as a trained RAF helicopter pilot, Cruise said he believed the royal would “have a lot of fun” with the film, per Entertainment Tonight.
The two later reunited at the film’s London premiere, where they were seen chatting comfortably on the red carpet. Cruise even offered a helping hand to Princess Kate as she walked up steps, a moment that quickly went viral.
Beyond film, their bond has continued through shared causes. Cruise attended a London Air Ambulance Charity gala in 2024, supporting an organization William is closely involved with. During his speech, the prince gave a playful nod to the actor, calling him a “fellow pilot” and joking, “If you wouldn’t mind not borrowing either of the new helicopters for the next Mission: Impossible, it would be appreciated,” per Hello! Magazine.
Cruise has also supported William’s Earthshot Prize, making a surprise video appearance at the 2025 ceremony and referring to the royal as his “dear friend.”
At the core of their connection is a shared love of aviation. Cruise has said the two “have a lot in common,” explaining, “We both love England, and we’re both aviators, we both love flying,” according to MyLondon. Though they have not yet flown together, he hinted that it could happen one day, adding, “Pilots are pilots. We all want to go flying.”
Even as Cruise’s living situation shifted in 2026 with his reported move back to the U.S. after several years in London, the connection he built in the U.K., including his friendship with William, remains one of the more unexpected and enduring ties between Hollywood and royalty.
