QUEEN ELIZABETH II MOURNS MANDELA

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was "deeply saddened" to learn of Nelson Mandela's death.

"He worked tirelessly for the good of his country, and his legacy is the peaceful South Africa we see today," a statement issued by Buckingham Palace said.

"Her Majesty remembers with great warmth her meetings with Mr. Mandela and sends her sincere condolences to his family and the people of South Africa at this very sad time", the statement continued.

Charles, Prince of Wales has also paid tribute to the former South African leader: "Mr Mandela was the embodiment of courage and reconciliation. He was also a man of great humour and had a real zest for life. With his passing, there will be an immense void not only in his family's lives, but also in those of all South Africans and the many others whose lives have been changed through his fight for peace, justice and freedom."