The highly anticipated Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets made its world premiere in London on Sunday night, drawing a glittering roster of stars and some very special guests – their children.
Actress Patsy Kensit brought her little ones, Lennon and James, as her dates, and Snatch star Vinnie Jones made it a family affair with his 11-year-old son, Aaron. Also strolling alongside their mums and dads on the red carpet were the offspring of Julie Walters, Martin Kemp and TV presenter Philip Schofield.
Though hundreds of Harry Potter fans chanted the boy wizard's name outside the Leicester Square venue, it wasn't just the fictional character who found admirers. Crowds of teenage girls screamed for 13-year-old star and budding heart-throb Daniel Radcliffe, who plays Harry for the second time, as he arrived for the screening. "It's really strange, but very exciting," he said of the warm reception.
Cast and crew also took time out to pay homage to co-star Richard Harris, who died of cancer just weeks before the premiere. Robbie Coltrane, who brings the giant Hagrid to life in the film, said the actor was "hugely, hugely missed". Added Daniel: "He would have liked to have been here tonight. He liked a good party."
Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets, which also stars Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Alan Rickman and Kenneth Branagh, opens in the UK and the US on November 15.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
