Kate Middleton, Duchess Of Cambridge 'In Tears' Following Nelson Mandela's Death At Royal Premiere

Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge was "moved to tears" by the news that the former South African president Nelson Mandela had died, when she was told of the sad news following the screening of the biopic Mandela: A Long Walk To Freedom last Thursday night.

The royals had been in good spirits earlier in the night when they'd met the stars of the movie Idris Elba and Naomie Harris ahead of the screening at the royal premiere in Lonson last week. However just 30 minutes before the film was due to begin, the 95 year-old icon passed away at his home in Johannesburg.

A decision was taken, reportedly by his two daughters who were at the premiere to continue with the screening, with guests including the royal couple finding out after the movie.

Kate Middleton and Prince William arrive for the Mandela premiere in London (WENN)

Kate and Wills were told just before the end of the screening with the Duchess becoming visibly upset.

Movie mogul Harvey Weinstein said after the premiere, according to the MailOnline: "Kate was very emotional, she was in tears and very moved by the events. We all were.

"There is nothing to describe the momentousness of what happened. The Duke and Duchess handled themselves very elegantly."

"I spoke to them downstairs in the foyer after the movie," he continued. "William was deeply touched by the news, you could see it in his face, but he was being very courageous."

Prince William places a protective arm around his wife as they leave the cinema (SplashNews)

Kate looked sombre as she left the cinema with her husband, with the future king paying tribute to the world leader as he left the Odeon, Leicester Square: "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. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. It's very sad."

Kate and William both looked sombre as they left the premiere following the news of Mandela's death (SplashNews)

Tributes have poured in following the sad news of the great leaders death last week. A memorial service will be held today in Soweto at the FNB stadium where 80,000 are expected to pay tribute to the "father" of South Africa.

A smaller funeral will be held on Sunday in Qunu, Eastern Cape province where the leader was from, with some of the guests from Tuesday expected to attend.

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