AceShowbiz -

Celebrities and A-list guests including Prince William and Kate Middleton paid tribute to Nelson Mandela as they attended "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" premiere at the Odeon Leicester Square in London Thursday night, December 5. A two-minute silence was held in the West End cinema to pay respect to the South African leader.

Guests walked down the red carpet, unaware that a short time later it would be announced that the influential figure, who became the inspiration behind the movie, passed away. They were left stunned when producer Anant Singh announced the sad news at the end of the screening which was also attended by one of Mandela's daughters, Zindzi Mandela.

"I just wanted to say it's extremely sad and tragic news," the Duke of Cambridge said from the red-carpet event. "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."

Actor Idris Elba, who played the former president in the film, mourned his death in a statement, "An honor to step into his shoes and portray a man who defied odds, broke down barriers, championed human rights."

Nelson Mandela passed away at the age of 95 after months of decreasing health.