'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' Gets Royal Appointment

LONDON – Peter Jackson's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is to be the 65th Royal Film Performance on Dec. 12 in the British capital.

our editor recommends

'The Hobbit' Trailer Takes Bilbo & Company on an 'Unexpected Journey' (Video)

Martin Scorsese’s 'Hugo' Chosen For Royal Film Performance 2011

The movie will screen to the Queen or members of the Royal Family in aid of the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund, the charity set up to look after U.K. industry employees and their families who are suffering from hardship.

CTBF president Anne Bennett said: "We are thrilled to be able to host the U.K. premiere of this highly-anticipated first instalment of “The Hobbit” trilogy. We are thankful to Peter Jackson and Warner Bros., New Line and MGM for providing this opportunity, and are grateful for the unswerving support the Royal Family gives to our charity and the Royal Film Performance."

Bennett noted that the funds raised by the Royal Performance "make a huge difference to the lives of many less fortunate colleagues.”

Josh Berger, president and managing director, Warner Bros U.K., Ireland & Spain added: "It’s fitting that this film, with a significant number of British cast and crew, will help support the great work the CTBF does for those most in need in the U.K.’s film and television community.”

The CTBF aims to confirm the Royal audience names "closer to the event."

Warner Bros. plans to roll the film out across the U.K. from Dec. 14.

Last year, Martin Scorsese's live action adventure movie Hugo unspooled with the Prince of Wales Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall Camilla Parker Bowles meeting cast including Ben Kinsgley and Helen McCrory.