The Duke and Duchess of Camridge greeted Nelson Mandela's family this evening - oblivious to the fact the former South African president had died only hours earlier.
The royal pair attended the star-studded UK premiere of the biographical film of his life unaware of the tragic news.
Kate meets Zindzi Mandela the daughter of former South African President, Nelson Mandela
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Mandela's daughter, Zindzi, was representing the family at the film premiere and was told her father's health was failing just minutes before it was due to start.
Before the performance, she praised the film for honouring her father, but was reportedly spotted looking tearful as the film was set to begin.
"It's something that makes me feel really proud that what my family went through and the role my father played has been recognised," she said.
"When we document our history in this manner we do it not just for ourselves but for future generations, the young people that my father is really passionate about," she told the Daily Mail.
The film, telling the life story of the anti-Apartheid activist and international icon, was made with his support.
It spans Mr Mandela's extraordinary life, from his childhood in a rural village through to his inauguration as the first democratically elected President of South Africa.
President Jacob Zuma made the announcement of the former South African president's death this evening, saying: "He is now at peace".
In a televised address, Zuma said: "Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father.
"What made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human. We saw in him what we seek in ourselves."
Zuma finished his address by saying simply: "We will always love you Madiba. May your soul rest in peace. God bless Africa."