LONDON (AFP) ― Daniel Craig thrilled James Bond fans in London Tuesday when he stepped onto the red carpet with co-stars Judi Dench and Javier Bardem for the world premiere of the 23rd Bond film “Skyfall.”

Craig, making his third outing as Bond, said it had been a “real honour” to play the role in the franchise’s 50th anniversary year, as he swept past a giant 007 logo and the secret agent’s favourite Aston Martin.

The rugged Craig stars with Dench, again playing his controller “M,” and Spaniard Bardem as the spy’s latest nemesis Raoul Silva.

Heir to the British throne Prince Charles attended the screening, which fittingly took place amid the regal splendour of the Royal Albert Hall.

Critics have declared the 23rd Bond film one of the finest in the British secret agent’s half century on the silver screen.

The prince hailed Bond as “the most famous secret service agent of all time” in a letter included in the screening’s programmes.

The release of “Skyfall” has special resonance because it is half a century this month since Bond strode stylishly into a film for the first time in “Dr. No.”

“It is just a real honour to be part of it and to have a chance to make a movie in this 50th year,” Craig told Sky News on the red carpet.

“There is nothing quite like it, but this feels even more special for me than the ones that have gone before,” Craig said of the premiere.