Royals, celebrities and members of Nelson Mandela’s family attended the UK premiere of the biographical film of his life — oblivious to the fact the man it was about had died only hours earlier.
Mandela’s death was announced in South Africa as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge sat down to watch the screening of Long Walk To Freedom, the movie based on his autobiography.
One of Mandela’s daughters, Zindzi Mandela, was also present in the audience, while another, Zenani, had just left having seen the movie before.
William and Kate were informed of his death discreetly by an aide shortly before the end of the film.
The news, which was revealed on television in an address to the nation by South Africa’s current president, Jacob Zuma, was then passed on to stunned guests after the credits had rolled. A two minutes’ silence was then held in the West End cinema.
Speaking from the Odeon Leicester Square, Prince William said: ‘I just wanted to say it’s extremely sad and tragic news.
‘We were just reminded what an extraordinary and inspiring man Nelson Mandela was. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. It’s very sad.’
The Royal couple looked ashen-faced as they walked down the stairs into the foyer. Shortly after they left, shocked members of the audience began emerging from the cinema, in silence at first.
It was not clear what had happened to Mandela’s daughter, Zindzi.
She had appeared jovial and relaxed walking the red carpet outside in Leicester Square before the premiere started but inside, as William and Kate met dignitaries, she seemed to be overcome, Daily Mail informs.
Her publicist waved away reporters, prompting speculation that she had received word that her father was close to death.
Zindzi Mandela, who was representing the family at the film premiere tonight and was told the news her father was fading just minutes before it was due to start.
Speaking to the Mail just moments earlier, she said of the film: ‘It’s something that makes me feel really proud, what my family went through and the role my father played has been recognised. It is a reward [for him].
