The new James Bond flick “Spectre” got a royal seal of approval at its world premiere Monday night.
Fans who lined the red carpet not only got to see Daniel Craig resplendent in a dark tuxedo and earthy smile and glamorous co-stars Lea Seydoux and Monica Bellucci, but could also catch a glimpse of Prince William, his wife Kate, and Prince Harry, still sporting a beard.
All eyes were on Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, who was among the last to arrive at the Royal Albert Hall before the film rolled. She chose a light blue Jenny Packham dress for the event.
The two princes wore tuxedos, which have been something of a Bond trademark since the days when Sean Connery played 007 for the first time in “Dr. No” in 1962.
The royals, who arrived in a Bentley, were greeted by director Sam Mendes and co-producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
Craig, accompanied by his film star wife Rachel Weisz, patiently posed for dozens of selfies with adoring fans. He told reporters he had “loved every minute” he’s spent as Bond and declined to answer questions about whether he would return for a fifth turn as the sexy, world-saving British agent.
Seydoux wore a shimmering gold backless gown for the night that marked her emergence as the latest in a long line of romantic interests for the suave British agent. Bellucci, also a love interest in the film, wore a dark gown with a plunging neckline.
Naomie Harris, reprising her role as loyal Miss Moneypenny, wore a low-cut full length orange dress to the premiere.
They were joined by Christoph Waltz, the Academy Award winner recruited to play villain Franz Oberhauser, who challenges Bond in a series of exotic locales, and Ben Whishaw, who has an expanded role as the gadget master Q.
British critics have praised the film and Craig’s performance.
