Last night, the news that shook a nation hit the headlines, as it was announced that anti-apartheid freedom fighter, humanitarian and former South African President, Nelson Mandela passed away peacefully at the age of 95. Ironically, at the very hour the news broke, Mandela’s legacy was being immortalized with a royal red carpet to celebrate his biopic film Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom, where his daughters Zindzi and Zenani Mandela tragically learned of their father’s passing.
After a star-studded red carpet, the Mandela sisters joined the Royal Family for the screening when they received the news of their father’s passing. The two women were said to have left the cinema immediately, but when asked if they wanted the film – Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom – to continue, they said yes. It was only after the credits had rolled that the film’s producer Anant Singh got on stage to break the news to the rest of the audience.
Mandela apparently passed half an hour before the film started.
Zindzi Mandela was spotted before the news broke in high spirits, wearing a black one sleeved dress with gold embellishments.
Duchess Kate Middleton chatted with Mandela’s daughters prior to the film in a Roland Mouret Fall 2009 long-sleeved ivory gown accessorized with a $20 Zara necklace.
Naomie Harris, who plays Winnie Mandela in the film, donned a black gown from Alexander McQueen.
Naomie and Idris Elba addressed the photographers.
Take a look at the red carpet in action in the video below.
PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
