On December 5, 2013, Mr. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela passed away from a lung infection at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, South Africa at the age of 95.
Upon hearing the news various monarchs and royals reacted to the death of the late Mr. Nelson Mandela.
From Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II:
“The Queen was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Nelson Mandela last night. He worked tirelessly for the good of his country, and his legacy is the peaceful South Africa we see today.
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.”
From His Holiness Pope Francis:
“It was with sadness that I learned of the death of former President Nelson Mandela, and I send prayerful condolences to all the Mandela family, to the members of the Government and to all the people of South Africa.
In commending the soul of the deceased to the infinite mercy of Almighty God, I ask the Lord to console and strengthen all who mourn his loss.
Paying tribute to the steadfast commitment shown by Nelson Mandela in promoting the human dignity of all the nation’s citizens and in forging a new South Africa built on the firm foundations of non-violence, reconciliation and truth, I pray that the late President’s example will inspire generations of South Africans to put justice and the common good at the forefront of their political aspirations.
With these sentiments, I invoke upon all the people of South Africa divine gifts of peace and prosperity.”
From Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall:
“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.
The world has lost an inspired leader and a great man. My family and I are profoundly saddened and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
From Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco:
“The Prince and Princess of Monaco were deeply grieved to learn of the death of Nelson Mandela.
HSH The Prince asked that the flags at the Palace of Monaco and the Principality’s public institutions be flown at half-mast and that a mass be celebrated soon in Monaco in memory of this great leader, mourned all over the world.
THS The Prince and Princess plan to attend the funeral of this champion of freedom whom they had the honour of meeting several times and whom they both see as “an example, a symbol of reconciliation, a great man who, through his courage, selflessness and generosity, was able to change the course of history and make his life a fight for justice and respect for human dignity.”
From His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan:
“His Majesty King Abdullah II on Friday sent a cable of condolences to President of South Africa Jacob Zuma, in which he expressed his deepest condolences and sympathy over the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela, who devoted his life to serve his country and realize its freedom and independence.
The King paid tribute to the international symbol, who devoted his life to defend issues of justice, peace and freedom in the world.
His Majesty noted that the late Mandela was globally recognized, through his sacrifices, as a champion of freedom.
The King added that ‘…we in Jordan recall Mandela’s visit for our country, and his partnership with us for peace and development,’ adding that ‘…we share his sense of responsibility for a global future where all peoples reap the fruits of peace, away from exclusion, poverty and conflict.’”
From Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan:
“From Madiba’s life & legacy we draw faith that goodness can prevail, mindsets can change, & clenched fists can open.”
From Their Royal Highnesses Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg:
“Monsieur le Président,
Venant d’apprendre la triste nouvelle du décès du Président Nelson Mandela, la Grande-Duchesse et mes compatriotes se joignent à moi pour vous adresser, ainsi qu’au peuple sud-africain et à la famille du défunt, nos plus vives condoléances et nos sentiments de profonde sympathie. Nous rendons hommage à la mémoire de cet éminent homme d’Etat, qui avec une détermination exemplaire n’a cessé d’œuvrer contre l’apartheid.
Avec la mort du Président Mandela, le monde entier perd une des figures emblématiques dont l’effort de réconciliation a jeté les bases de l’Afrique du Sud moderne.”
From Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway:
“We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of President Nelson Mandela. We extend our condolences and deepest sympathy to his family in their bereavement, as well as to the people of South Africa.
I was fortunate to have met President Mandela several times. He has served as a role model for me. I have admired his leadership, courage and wisdom. In a situation characterized by violence and vengefulness, President Mandela succeeded in bringing out the best in both himself and his fellow citizens. He has shown the world that it is possible to choose reconciliation over revenge, to choose that which uplifts over that which destroys.”
From Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden:
“Det är med stor sorg jag och min familj har mottagit beskedet att förre presidenten i republiken Sydafrika, Nelson Mandela, har gått bort.
Som president var han en varmhjärtad, hängiven och beundrad statsman.
Drottningen och jag hade förmånen att träffa honom vid vårt statsbesök till Sydafrika 1997 och det var en stor glädje för oss att se honom och hans fru här som våra gäster två år senare. Vid dessa tillfällen gjorde han djupa, varma och bestående intryck på oss. Jag minns Nelson Mandelas extraordinära karisma.”
From Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands:
“His wisdom, integrity and kindness set an inspiring example.”
His Majesty King Mohammad VI of Morocco:
“…the late Mandela was a man of peace and convictions who tirelessly endeavored for the triumph of the values of peace, dignity and democracy…”
From Lene Balleby, Communications Director for the Danish royal court, via Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark:
“Her Majesty has sent a letter of condolence and she expresses her compassion for the people of South Africa and in particular for Mandela’s family…”
The President of South Africa, Mr. Jacob Zuma, announced this morning that the late Mr. Nelson Mandela will have a state funeral. He will be buried in Qunu on December 15, 2013.
