The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the premiere of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom last night as the man himself was drawing his last breaths.
Nelson Mandela died as the royal couple and other VIP guests were walking the red carpet at the UK premiere of the newest film about his life.
Aides told William and Kate of Mandela’s death during the screening and the audience held a two-minute silence at the end of the film.
William paid tribute to Mandela in the foyer after the movie, saying: “It’s extremely sad and tragic news. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.”