Prince William attends "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" premiere without Kate

Prince William stepped out solo for the U.K. premiere of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" on Wednesday, as his pregnant wife, Kate, continues to rest.

The Duchess of Cambridge had been scheduled to attend the premiere with her husband, but cancelled the appearance due to acute morning sickness.

Upon his arrival at the Odeon in London's Leicester Square, the 30-year-old prince was met by the cinema's manager Tessa Street, who asked after Kate.

"I passed on my best wishes to Kate and he said, 'She would have loved to have been here if she could,'" Street said, according to the Daily Mail.

Stars including Ian McKellen and Cate Blanchett walked the green carpet at the event, which raised money for the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund.

McKellan, who plays the wizard Gandalf in the adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's work, told reporters that it "feels proper" to celebrate the film in London, given that a large part of the cast is British and Tolkien was an English writer.

Blanchett, who plays elf queen Galadriel, said it was great to see so many fans turn out considering the cold weather was "enough to drive anyone away."