The 40-year-old actor and his co-stars were greeted by hundreds of fans and a sea of camera flashes in central London for the 22nd instalment of the Bond franchise.

Craig showed up wearing a tuxedo and his right arm in a sling after a shoulder operation.

Quantum of Solace, which follows on directly from the plot of the last Bond movie Casino Royale, is released in British cinemas on Oct 31 and hits theatres in the key US market two weeks later on Nov 14.

After Craig wowed critics and audiences with his Bond debut in Casino Royale two years ago, Quantum of Solace is expected to eclipse its global box office take of US$594 million (S$884 million).

Craig was joined at Wednesday's charity gala screening in central London by co-stars including Ukrainian Olga Kurylenko and Bond regular Judi Dench, who had a glittering '007' insignia stuck to the back of her neck.

There too was French actor Mathieu Amalric, the latest in a long line of Bond villains, and Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson.

They were joined by Prince William, second in line to the British throne, and younger brother Harry. The brothers have asked for proceeds from the night to benefit charities Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion. -- REUTERS