In a heartfelt gesture, Tom Cruise sent a personal message to Prince William during the Earthshot Prize ceremony, as he couldn’t be there in person.

Despite the physical distance, his words carried a deep sense of warmth and camaraderie, reflecting the close bond between the two friends and their shared commitment to tackling climate change.

The Top Gun: Maverick star joined the celebration virtually, extending his congratulations to the winners and finalists of the Earthshot Prize for their innovative contributions to environmental sustainability.

In a prerecorded message, Cruise addressed the Prince, saying, “Good evening, Rio. My dear friend, your Royal Highness, I’m sorry I couldn’t be there in person to celebrate with you all. However, I wanted to take a moment to congratulate tonight’s winners and every finalist, and to thank you for the incredible work you are doing.”

He went on to express his admiration for the finalists, saying, “You remind us of what’s possible when commitment meets purpose. Thank you for everything you do, and congratulations once again. Enjoy your evening.”

During the event, which took place in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Prince William announced the winners of the fifth annual Earthshot Prize. “Good evening and welcome,” the Prince said. “We are delighted to have you with us for this special occasion in the beautiful city of Rio.”

In addition to announcing the winners, the Prince had the opportunity to meet with a number of prominent figures, including singer Shawn Mendes and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.