Top Gun star Tom Cruise’s special relationship with Queen in her final year
The famous faces who could count themselves among the late Queen's inner circle included the likes of Sir David Attenborough, but there was another very well-known celebrity who made the cut.
Incredibly, it was revealed that the monarch and Mission Impossible star Tom Cruise had struck up a friendship in her final months and even had tea together at Windsor Castle after he hosted part of the horse show 'A Gallop Through History'.
It was reported that the Queen and the Top Gun actor "really hit it off" over the summer and even planned a second meeting before she sadly passed away aged 96.
Tom Cruise was one of the surprise stars of the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee when he was tasked with introducing a key segment at the horse-themed event 'A Gallop Through History'.
The Hollywood star met the monarch at Windsor (2022 Max Mumby/Indigo)Before the incredible event kicked off, the Hollywood star spoke to presenters Phillip Schofield and Julie Etchingham and revealed it was an "honour" to have been asked to play such an important role.
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"I was just very honoured. She's a woman I greatly admire. She has tremendous dignity and I admire her devotion. What she has accomplished has been historic," he said.
"I remember as a kid, seeing photos of her. I travelled around a lot and I came to England to make movies in 1982. I love the history and I just have great respect for her. When they asked I instantly said 'it would be my honour to be here'."
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Owing to the monarch's mobility struggles, she was unable to meet everyone who took part in the show in a traditional line-up so was driven around the showground waving at the stars.
But while hosts also included Dame Helen Mirren and Omid Djalili, the Queen was said to have been very disappointed not to meet Cruise, so later invited him back to have tea and a special tour of Windsor Castle.
Tom Cruise acted as a host for the show (2022 Mark Cuthbert)
The Queen attended 'A Gallop Through History' (2022 Max Mumby/Indigo)The charming star was given the VIP treatment when he was able to tick off his lifelong dream of landing a helicopter at a royal residence, according to the Sunday Times.
A source said: "Just the two of them had tea together. She loved seeing him and they really hit it off, so much so that she invited him back for lunch. He was even allowed to fly in by helicopter."
Tom Cruise was able to land a helicopter in the grounds of Windsor Castle (Getty)The late Queen wasn't the only member of the Royal Family who Cruise shared a special moment with as he was pictured with Diana, Princess of Wales at the premiere of 'Far and Away' in 1992.
He later attended her funeral at Westminster Abbey in 1997 alongside the likes of Sir Elton John, Tom Hanks and Nicole Kidman.
The actor also shared a special moment with the Prince and Princess of Wales in London last year when they attended the premiere of Top Gun: Maverick.
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After offering his hand to help Kate up the stairs at the glittering Leicester Square gathering, he spoke to reporters about the couple.
Cruise praised on the entire Royal Family - and admitted he has a lot in common with fellow helicopter pilot Prince William.
"I was there for her and I greatly admire her dedication to the country. They do so many wonderful things for so many people. We have a lot in common. We loved England. The Duke and I are both aviators so we love flying."
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