The Duchess of Sussex has arrived at an exhibition charting the life, career and politics of one of her heroes, Nelson Mandela.
She was joined by her husband the duke, whose family had a close relationship with the former statesman, who campaigned throughout his life to end South Africa’s apartheid regime.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also meet Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter Zamaswazi Dlamini-Mandela @southbankcentre before viewing the @Mandela100UK exhibition. pic.twitter.com/8elD7eF6Bh
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) July 17, 2018
Mandela and the Queen built up a firm friendship, with South Africa’s former president calling her “Lizzie” according to his daughter Zindzi Mandela.
Leading former anti-apartheid campaigner Lord Hain, who is chairman of the Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition, said: “London was the centre of the anti-apartheid struggle.
HRH met Mandela’s widow Graca Machel at the Centre and gave this speech saying; “These organisations, which include the Nelson Mandela Foundation, are empowering the next generation of engaged South African citizens,” More > https://t.co/mlGmqfLQwy ? @PAImages pic.twitter.com/ddswEIO3zG
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) July 17, 2018
“It was here that Mandela’s close comrade Oliver Tambo lived, led and directed the worldwide struggle, from military operations in southern Africa to diplomatic lobbying of the United Nations.
“We thought to commemorate Mandela’s centenary there should be an exhibition in London.
The fantastic Ubunye Choir performing at the launch of the incredible Mandela Centenary Exhibition @Mandela100UK on Tuesday @southbankcentre by Duke & Duchess Sussex @KensingtonRoyal @SAHC_UK @SAChamberLondon @ACTSA_UK @aamarchives @AntiRacismDay @RowmanInternat pic.twitter.com/vRbF8PY212
— Peter Hain (@PeterHain) July 15, 2018
“It was curated by the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg and I asked their royal highnesses to come as he does charitable work in southern Africa and she has said before that Nelson Mandela is one of her heroes.
“So we thought it would be very, very fitting for them to be at the launch and we’re thrilled they accepted.”
Among the guests was a former prison inmate of Mandela, and his granddaughter Zamaswazi Dlamini-Mandela.
The Duke and Duchess view some of the items in the exhibit, including the Robben Island Bible – which was actually a copy of Shakespeare plays disguised as a Bible. @Mandela100UK pic.twitter.com/EKyU8gYzbi
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) July 17, 2018
The exhibition, at the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, traces Mandela’s career from activist to president through six themes: character, comrade, leader, prisoner, negotiator and statesman.
It is the first time the exhibition will be shown in the UK after successful runs in various forms around the world, including six weeks at the Paris Town Hall in 2013.
Harry and Meghan arrived in brilliant summer sunshine, with the duchess wearing an outfit by House of Nonie.
