The Queens of Narnia

While some of the biggest names in showbusiness graced the world premiere of the first Chronicles of Narnia film, it was Charles and Camilla who stole the show last night.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrived at the Royal Albert Hall half an hour after their fellow guests and were quickly ushered through the crowds of fans.

The couple - Camilla looking impressive in a long midnight blue silk skirt by Robinson Valentine and a black cashmere jacket decorated with jet beading - then chatted to members of the cast before the screening.

Star spotters had earlier been treated to something of a roll call of British talent.

Sir Cliff Richard, Julie Walters, Sir Roger Moore and Jodie Kidd all joined the film's four young stars, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley and William Moseley.

Tilda Swinton, who plays the White Witch, looked every inch the ice queen in her white floor-length skirt and fitted jacket decorated with a gold raffled neckline and cusp.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is one of the most eagerly-awaited films of the year.

Based on the CS Lewis novel, it tells the story of four children who enter the fantastical world of Narnia via a magical wardrobe. The glittering premiere included an ice blue carpet - in place of the usual red affair - and several snow machines, giving a suitably festive feel.

Following the screening, the stars enjoyed a no-expense spared party in nearby Kensington Gardens, which had been transformed into a snowcovered paradise complete with an ice palace and enchanted forests.

Billed as the most lavish and expensive cast party ever thrown, it cost the producers nearly £1.5million.

Some of its significance may have been lost on certain guests, however.

Sir Roger Moore admitted he had never read a CS Lewis book. 'I am too old - he wasn't around in my day,' he explained. But avowed Christian Sir Cliff added fuel to the controversy surrounding the film's religious overtones.

'I am desperate to see if they've kept true to what CS Lewis was trying to do,' he said.

'There is an incredibly strong Christian element to the book - fundamentally they are about Christianity.

'You can't change the story and I'll be mightily angry if that element of the book is taken out of the film.