Daniel Craig was mobbed by fans waiting to greet him on the red carpet for the royal world premiere of the 22nd James Bond film, Quantum of Solace.

The star arrived in a black tuxedo with his arm in a sling.

When asked why it was important the film was launched in London, he said: "Because it's Bond - it's as British as it could be."

Princes William and Harry arrived to the biggest cheer of the evening wearing dinner jackets.

They walked straight onto the red carpet to meet 200 invited servicemen, veterans and their families.

The Royal brothers have asked for the event to help support two charities, the Royal British Legion and Help The Hero.

Excited crowd

Daniel Craig and partner Satsuki Mitchell
Quantum of Solace marks Craig's second outing as 007

Craig, who spent several minutes signing autographs, posed for pictures with his long-time partner Satsuki Mitchell, who was wearing a sparkling floor-length purple dress.

Speaking on the red carpet, Craig said he felt Bond had a good sense of humour in this film.

"I think he's hilarious. I think he gets into extraordinarily funny situations."

He was then asked who his favourite Bond girl was.

"I can't say. The one on my arm of course," he said.

Dame Judi Dench, who plays Bond's boss M, was the first big star to walk the red carpet.

She revealed to the cameras a 007 stuck in glitter on the back of her neck.

New Bond girl Olga Kurylenko arrived on the red carpet wearing a dramatic red dress and Gemma Arterton chose a revealing purple dress.

Largest premiere

Jack White, who co-performed the latest Bond song, Die Another Day, was also among the stars who attended the event.

Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, as well as director Marc Forster, also arrived to be greeted by an excited crowd.

Singer Jack White and his guest
Jack White co-performed the latest Bond song

The premiere has been billed as one of the largest the country has ever seen.

Leicester Square was transformed with giant screens and speakers belting out Bond themes old and new.

The event will be immediately followed by the film's first public screening.

BBC