The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey's royal premiere in London - in pictures

Cate Blanchett, who plays Galadriel, and Ian McKellen, who plays Gandalf, at the premiere
Photograph: Jon Furniss/AP

Director Peter Jackson meets his fans Photograph: Dave M. Benett/WireImage

The Duke of Cambridge arrives alone due to the continued illness of his wife, who is suffering from morning sickness Photograph: Ian West/PA

British actor Stephen Fry greets Sir Ian McKellen as they both pose for the press pack Photograph: Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images

Fans wait in the cold to see the arrival of the stars on the red carpet
Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

One ring to rule them all, and in Leicester Square bind them: a man makes an unexpected proposal to his girlfriend on the green carpet
Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan, who played hobbits Pippin and Merry in Jackson's Lord of the Rings films, enjoy a laugh
Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

Cate Blanchett wears an elegant white evening gown Photograph: Luke Macgregor/Reuters

Cate Blanchett as seen from the back
Photograph: Joel Ryan/AP

Nick Cave and two young guests who look much happier at the prospect of seeing the film than Cave Photograph: Tim Whitby/Getty Images

James Nesbitt, who plays the dwarf Bofur, arrives with his wife and children Photograph: Dominic Lipinski/PA

Martin Freeman, who plays Bilbo Baggins, and his partner Amanda Abbington arrive at the Leicester Square Cinema Photograph: Luke Macgregor/Reuters

Andy Serkis, who reprises his role as Gollum -the character he played in the Lord of the Rings adaptations - arrives with his wife, Lorraine Ashbourne, and their daughter Photograph: Tim Whitby/Getty Images