Daniel Craig, Eva Green and Mads Mikkelsen have greeted fans at the world premiere of Casino Royale, the 21st James Bond film.

The movie, which is based on the first of Ian Fleming's popular spy novels, will open worldwide on November 17.

Celebrities in attendance included singer Rachel Stevens, comedian Peter Kay, socialite Paris Hilton and British pop group the Sugababes.

They were joined at the London premiere by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

Craig, who was chosen to replace Pierce Brosnan in the 007 role last year, has faced criticism from a small section of James Bond fans.

But early media reviews have praised his polished and impressive performance.

"I'm just very excited," said Craig, 38.

"These sort of things happen once in a lifetime and I'm just trying to enjoy it."

French actress Green, who plays Bond girl Vesper Lynd in the film, said: "The character is not only beautiful but she's also very sassy and funny but also vulnerable.

"I wouldn't have wanted to do it if it was just a bikini-clad role. I wanted to see the script first but was then very keen to get involved."

Danish actor Mikkelsen, who plays the villain Le Chiffre in Casino Royale, was also present at the Leicester Square event.

Other stars with a role in the film include Judi Dench, Jeffrey Wright, Giancarlo Giannini, Caterina Murino and Jesper Christensen.

Directed by Martin Campbell, Casino Royale is expected to end Borat’s two-week reign at the top of the US and UK box office.

Craig, who was born in Cheshire, is the sixth actor to play 007 after Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan.

The last Bond film, Lee Tamahori's Die Another Day, generated just over $160m at the US box office in 2002.