Just moments before the Royal London film premiere of "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" was about to begin, Nelson Mandela's daughters Zindzi and Zenani Mandela were informed that the age of 95, their father had passed away peacefully at his home in the Johannesburg suburb of Houghton, the Daily Mail reports.
Zindzi and Zenani reportedly left the theater immediately after receiving the news, but when asked if they'd like the film premiere to continue on, they said yes.
Most of the audience in the Odeon auditorium in Leicester Square had not yet heard the news, and shortly before the film ended, Kate Middleton and Prince William, who had met with Mandela's daughters earlier in the night, were quietly informed by an aid of Mandela's death. Once the film was over, the entire audience was informed that the iconic South African leader who had led his country to the end of apartheid had passed, followed by screams and gasps of shock.
"There was an audible sharp intake of breath. It was shocking news to hear at the end of the film. Everyone was shocked," Eleanor Simmonds from Croydon, who attended the premiere to support a Mandela charity, told the Daily Mail. "I was really, really sad news because it was a wonderful evening."
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge reportedly left the theater looking "ashen-faced," and Prince William gave his condolences.
"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," he said. "My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. It's very sad."
The film's cast were too upset to speak, and the after-party was cancelled. Naomie Harris, who plays Mandela's wife Winnie in the new film, was escorted by security and had tears in her eyes as she left the auditorium.
Actor Idris Elba, who played Mandela, released a public statement shortly afterwards.
"What an honor it was to step into the shoes of Nelson Mandela and portray a man who defied odds, broke down barriers, and championed human rights before the eyes of the world. My thoughts and prayers are with his family," he said.
Click here to see photos of Nelson Mandela's daughters Zindzi and Zenani Mandela , Idris Elba, Naomie Harris, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during and after the film premiere of "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom."
