… Pix: Nelson Mandela’s body leaves his home for the final time as it is driven to a military hospital in Pretoria…
South Africa has begun a period of official mourning for the former president who helped to reunite a nation that was bitterly divided by racial segregation.
Mandela, known as Madiba to most South Africans, passed away at home in Johannesburg at 8.50pm on Thursday, surrounded by his family and friends.
His body was moved to a military hospital in Pretoria this morning and is reportedly under armed guard.
Flags are flying at half mast around the world while Mandela is taken to lie in state for three days in the capital Pretoria.
Nelson Mandela, Nelson Mandela dead, Coffin, pretoria, Mourning, Death, Pictures, Madiba, David Cameron, Queen, Tributes, Barack Obama, Pope, TwitterTRIBUTE: David Cameron has been one of many world leaders to pay tribute to Mandela [AP]
Nelson Mandela, Nelson Mandela dead, Coffin, pretoria, Mourning, Death, Pictures, Madiba, David Cameron, Queen, Tributes, Barack Obama, Pope, TwitterSIGN: The PM signs the book of condolence for Mandela in central London [PA]
“Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God”
South African embassies across the world have laid out books of condolences for people to sign in tribute to one of the most famous men of the twentieth century.
This morning David Cameron was among the first to sign a book of remembrance in London.
He wrote: “Your cause of fighting for freedom and against discrimination, your struggle for justice, your triumph against adversity – these things will inspire generations to come.
“And through all of this, your generosity, compassion and profound sense of forgiveness have given us all lessons to learn and live by.”
The prime minister ended his message with the quote: “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.”
Nelson Mandela, Nelson Mandela dead, Coffin, pretoria, Mourning, Death, Pictures, Madiba, David Cameron, Queen, Tributes, Barack Obama, Pope, TwitterFLOWERS: Wreaths have been laid out across South Africa for the former president [AP]
After signing the book Mr Cameron said: “He lived this extraordinary life of belief in this simple principle – fighting discrimination.”
The PM added that his own memories of Mandela were of a man “who had a wonderful sense of humour”.
Over SIX MILLION tweets of tribute have been posted as people take to Twitter to share their own memories and condolences to the iconic Mandela.
Earlier today the Queen announced she was “deeply saddened” to learn of the former South African leader’s death, saying Mandela had “worked tirelessly for the good of his country”.