Royals hit the red carpet at Bond world premiere
Daniel Craig’s final appearance as James Bond has received a royal debut, after Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince William, and Kate appeared at the film’s world premiere in London.
No Time To Die, the 25th in the series of movies depicting the British spy’s heroics, was initially due for release in April 2020.
But, after multiple delays due to the pandemic the long-awaited moment has been met with relief by Craig.
“A year ago, this was just a dream,” he told reporters on the red carpet at the Royal Albert Hall.
“It didn’t look like we would get here. But we have and I’m just happy that we’re here and we can celebrate with everybody,” he said.
Lea Seydoux, who reprises her role as Dr Madeleine Swann, echoed the same relief.
“It’s been such a crazy time for all of us,” she said.
“And now to celebrate, you know, with this film, to reunite. And it’s great. I’m really happy.”
Appearing onstage before the screening, the 53-year-old dedicated the film to its cast, crew, producers, and frontline workers.
“Just look at us and where we are,” Craig said. “To amazing cast and crew, MGM, Universal, [producers] Barbara [Broccoli], Michael [G. Wilson]. A lot of front-line workers here. [It’s] an honour for us - we’d like to dedicate this film to you this evening.”
To thank them for their work during the pandemic, healthcare workers and members of the UK armed forces were also invited to Tuesday’s premiere.
No Time To Die features Craig’s last appearance as 007, and when asked how he felt about leaving the role, he said: “I’m good. I’m really good about it.”
As for his potential successor, Craig abruptly said: “Not my problem.”
Also appearing at the star-studded event were official songwriters Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell, composer Hans Zimmer, screenwriters Neal Purvis, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Robert Wade.
The stars stunned with bold outfit choices, including Lashana Lynch in a bold yellow off-the-shoulder gown with a wide skirt, Craig in a pink velvet dinner jacket, and Rory Kinnear in a blood orange suit jacket with a black shirt and tie.
Prince William arrived in an appropriate tuxedo and matching black tie, with Kate dressed in a sheer-panelled gown with gold sequin detailing.
Other A-list guests included Ronan and Storm Keating, Jason Momoa, Paralympian Hannah Cockroft, and Olympian Mo Farah.
Rami Malek, Naomie Harris, Ben Wishaw, Ana de Armas, David Dencik, Dali Benssalah, and Jeffrey Wright were also among the cast members who walked London’s red carpet.
Images: Getty Images