Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were at the opening of a special exhibition in London on Tuesday at Queen Elizabeth Hall which gave tribute to Nelson Mandela on the 100th anniversary of the former South African president's birth. While there, they met with his granddaughter Zamaswazi Dlamini-Mandela. The royal couple spent 45 minutes touring the exhibit.
Dlamini-Mandela said after the meeting that the couple was a shining example for today’s youth as they work for fairness and justice in the world.
According to the E! News video included in this article, Princess Diana met with Nelson Mandela herself in South Africa 22 years before and just five months before she died
Exhibit to honour Nelson Mandela
The exhibit to honour the late freedom fighter and South African president displayed photographs, film, and artifacts relating to his life. The exhibit was set to honour Mandela on what would have been his 100th birthday.
As reported by The Sun, the exhibition has been touring the world and it is the first time it has been held in London. Zamaswazi Dlamini-Mandela said of the event that it was highly significant, as not only did it celebrate the life of her grandfather, it also educates the next generation, teaching them that people must not repeat past mistakes.
The Daily Mail quoted her as saying it was a great honour that Prince Harry and Meghan had visited the exhibit, going on to say their support for fairness and justice in the world has made them a “shining example” for today and tomorrow’s youth.
Dlamini-Mandela continued by saying she hopes that Harry and Meghan’s visit to the exhibition will encourage more people to learn what Nelson Mandela was all about. She added that the Harry and Meghan are activists who go out of their way to back causes important to them, adding that both of them want to go out into the world to make a difference. Dlamini-Mandela said they don’t just talk about doing something, they do it. Referring to the legacy of both their families, she said they both have a great history and legacy, which young people should carry forward.
Exhibit covered six periods of Mandela’s life
The exhibition revolved around six different themes relating to Mandela and his life. The information on display related to his character, his life as a comrade and leader, his time as a prisoner, followed by his achievements as a statesman and negotiator. As noted by The Sun, Mandela died at the age of 95 in Johannesburg at his home on December 5, 2013.
Mandela had led the African National Congress in South Africa and was arrested in 1962, charged with conspiracy to overthrow the state. He received a sentence of life imprisonment but was released in 1990 after 27 years behind bars.
Mandela then went on to become South Africa’s president and together with President FW de Klerk, who put an end to apartheid in the country, he went on to receive a Nobel Peace Prize.
Mandela served as South Africa’s president for one term and forged a democracy which moved on from events of the past. He then continued to work on charitable projects aimed at helping poor South African children until he died.