19 NOVEMBER 2002
The highly-anticipated spy adventure Die Another Day celebrated a spectacular first night royal charity screening in London on Monday, with the Queen mingling with a glittering line-up of guests including an Oscar de la Renta-clad Halle Berry and nearly all of the dashing stars who have filled 007’s shoes.

The Albert Hall was transformed into an ice palace for the bash as former Bonds George Lazenby, Roger Moore and Timothy Dalton joined Die Another Day star Pierce Brosnan to help celebrate the 20th James Bond film, which also marks the 40th anniversary of the series. As the Queen greeted current spy hero Pierce, she quipped: “So you’re the modern James Bond are you? I’ve met the other three downstairs.”

As fans outside watched on giant-screen televisions, past and present 007 icons strolled up the red carpet, including Judi Dench, Richard Kiel – better known as classic baddie Jaws – and Octopussy herself, Maud Adams. Inside, pop superstar Madonna, who sings the theme song for the latest Bond instalment, practised her curtsey with Die Another Day star John Cleese moments before she and her director husband Guy Ritchie had a chance to greet the monarch.

"The Queen asked me about Bond," she revealed afterwards. "I have never met her before, but surprisingly I wasn't nervous."

Die Another Day opens in the US and UK on November 22.