James Bond star Daniel Craig only had eyes for Kate Middleton when he complimented her dazzling gown worn to the 007 world premiere.
The actor, who has stepped down from the famous role, told Kate “You look jolly lovely” when she wore a sparkling gold Jenny Packham gown to the global launch of No Time To Die.
A quartet of British royals, Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall and Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, attended the star-studded event at the Royal Albert Hall which gave the cinema industry a much needed boost.
Camilla shimmered in a pale blue chiffon gown by Bruce Oldfield and the royal men looked smart in their black ties.
The royal guests trod the very large red carpet and posed together for a picture before the premiere began after climbing flights of stairs flanked by members of the Armed Forces.
Among the line-up who later met the royals was Oscar-winning actor Rami Malek, who joins the franchise as villain Safin, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, one of the film’s screenwriters.
British actress Lashana Lynch has been cast as the first black female 00 agent, Nomi, and Lea Seydoux returns as Bond girl Madeleine Swann after her appearance in 2015’s Spectre.
Tennis sensation Emma Raducanu, who looked stunning in a long gown, was among the guests joining a number of healthcare workers and members of the Armed Forces as a thank you for their work during the Covid pandemic.
The movie, which will be Craig’s final outing as 007, was due for release in April 2020, but it was postponed as the first wave of Covid-19 broke and repeatedly pushed back as the pandemic took hold.
With the cinema industry in the doldrums, the keenly anticipated film, which will be released in UK cinemas on Thursday, is expected to herald a major return of filmgoers.
No Time To Die takes place after the capture of villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld, played by Christoph Waltz, when Bond and love interest Swann ran off together at the end of 2015’s Spectre.
It finds Bond after he has left active service, enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica, although it seems the couple are not guaranteed a happily ever after.
