Prince William Praises Tom Cruise’s Top Gun
Prince William has spoken warmly about Tom Cruise and the Top Gun franchise, as a new report revisits the pair’s growing friendship and shared interest in flying. The Prince of Wales’ comments, made during the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards, underline how the royal has increasingly used major cultural events to highlight the films and causes that matter to him and his family.
At the ceremony, Hello Magazine reported that Prince William called “Top Gun 2” one of the most incredible films he has watched in a long time, adding that he was “a little biased” because of Cruise and questioning why the blockbuster did not receive more awards recognition.
The report also said Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis “absolutely adore” the film’s stunts, with William describing Cruise as someone who takes action scenes seriously and “cares about cinema”. It noted that William and Catherine attended an advance screening ahead of the sequel’s release in 2022, and later appeared at the London premiere where Cruise greeted the royal couple.
Cruise has since supported William’s charitable work, including the London’s Air Ambulance Charity gala in 2024, while the actor also sent a surprise video message to the Earthshot Prize awards in 2025 calling the Prince of Wales his “dear friend”. The BAFTAs appearance came as William remained in the spotlight after he and the Princess of Wales stayed silent following a BAFTAs heckle.
The renewed focus on the friendship highlights the unusual intersections between Hollywood and royal life, and how high-profile figures can help draw attention to royal patronages. With William continuing to balance his public duties with family life, his comments suggest the Wales household’s enthusiasm for big-screen entertainment is likely to remain part of his occasional public reflections.
