Tom Cruise Eyes Knighthood as He Conquers U.K. — With Ana de Armas and the Royal Family in His Corner

Tom Cruise really is Top Gun in the U.K.!

The Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning star, who relocated across the pond five years ago, is wildly popular in his adopted country.

Not only is he best friends with Prince William and Princess Kate, but he is expecting to be knighted by King Charles on the monarch’s next birthday.

And with Cuban-born beauty Ana de Armas on his arm, Tom, 62, has been bragging to friends that leaving Hollywood in the dust was the best move he ever made, sources tell The National ENQUIRER.

“He privately credits his professional relocation to England for this success,” the insider says. “He’s finally a British Film Institute fellow, the royal family has known him for decades and loves him and he has a special feel for England that is above and beyond any other transplanted Hollywood star.”

“This isn’t Scientology vibes or anything like that, it’s hard facts,” the insider says.

Part of it is professional — he appreciates the high standards of British film crews. “They have made his wildest dreams come true for many years now, and that’s why he insists on making movies over there,” the insider says.

In recognition of his work with the British film industry, the Jack Reacher star is said to be on the short list to receive a knighthood at the King’s Birthday Honors in November. The honor is the only title granted to non-British citizens.

Given his close friendship with William and Kate, who he escorted to the London premiere of Top Gun: Maverick in 2022, sources say he’s a shoo-in.

“This is the thing that sets Tom apart from other blockbuster A-list leading men-slash-moguls like Brad Pitt, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman,” the insider says. “Tom is collaborating with an entire country, and nobody can compete with that.”

As readers know, Tom’s love life has finally gotten a lift now that he’s dating Ana, 37.

“He’s been in hot pursuit for a long time, and she’s warmed to him, and why wouldn’t she? He’s perhaps one of, if not the most powerful and bankable stars in the world,” the source says.

And with Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning poised to break box-office records, “Tom is killing it right now,” the insider says.