Prince Charles will represent the Queen at the funeral of Nelson Mandela in the remote village of Qunu, where the iconic late leader grew up, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
The 87-year-old monarch will not make the journey to South Africa for the memorial ceremony. Instead, her son will join dignitaries from around the world at the service on Sunday.
Charles, who will not be joined by his wife Camilla, met with Mr Mandela on a number of occasion in both Britain and South Africa.
© Photo: RexAfter the statesman's sad passing last week, the Prince described him as the "embodiment of courage and reconciliation"."He was also a man of great humour and had a real zest for life," Charles said. "With his passing, there will be an immense void, not only in his family's life, 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."
© Photo: RexMichelle Obama meeting the elder statesman in 2011
Three former US presidents, George W Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, will also attend.
World leaders, global figures and celebrities will join 95,000 ordinary South Africans at the event at FNB stadium in Soweto, where Mr Mandela made his last major public appearance during the 2010 football World Cup.
On Tuesday, US President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and UK PM David Cameron will be among those attending a memorial service at a Soweto stadium.
© Photo: Getty ImagesA smaller number of international dignitaries, including Prince Charles, will attend the burial in the Eastern Cape village of Qunu, where the late president grew up.
State funeral will take place on 15 December
Following the ceremony, Mr Mandela's body will lie in state in Pretoria for three days before his state funeral on Sunday, 15 December.
