“When Kate and William prepared to attend the Royal premiere of a film chronicling the remarkable life of Nelson Mandela yesterday evening they could not have known the significance the evening would come to hold…But as the two watched the film, alongside the Zindzi Mandela, daughter of the South African leader, news came in that 95-year-old Mandela had died peacefully at home.” – Deborah Arthurs, Daily Mail, 12/6/2013

The Cambridges arriving at the premiere of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom….

The Duchess meets with Mandela’s daughters, Zindzi (right)

The Duke speaking with Mandela’s daughter, Zindzi (right)

After being informed of the former South African leader’s death, Prince William made a brief statement as the Daily Mail reports below:

“William and Kate looked ashen-faced as they walked down the stairs into the foyer. Speaking as he left the Odeon cinema, the Duke 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.’ ”

Prince William making statement on Mandela’s death as they leave the Odeon