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Looking elegant in a pink, sleeveless jacket dress by Canada-based House of Nonie, the duchess was accompanied by Prince Harry for the event, on the day before what would have been Mr Mandela’s 100th birthday.
The Royal Family had a close relationship with the former statesman, who campaigned throughout his life to end South Africa’s apartheid regime.
His granddaughter described the Duke and Duchess as “a shining example for the youth of today”.
The couple were shown around the collection by Zamaswazi Dlamini-Mandela, who said: “Today’s event is hugely significant – not only because we are here to celebrate the life of a great man in history, but also because we are able to educate the next generation that we must never repeat the mistakes of the past.
“The visit of their royal highnesses Harry and Meghan is a great honour. Their support for justice and fairness in the world makes them a shining example for the youth of today and tomorrow.
“I hope by being here today they can be huge advocates for the exhibition, so that as many people as possible can learn about what my grandfather was about.”
The exhibition of artefacts, photographs and film at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in central London has been heralded for providing a fascinating insight into Mr Mandela’s journey from young anti-apartheid campaigner to becoming the inspiration for an international movement against South Africa’s violent and oppressive system.
It is based on six themes – Character, Comrade, Leader, Prisoner, Negotiator, Statesman – all made up of information and photo panels, along with films and archive items from different periods of the former president’s life.
In 1962, Mr Mandela was arrested for conspiring to overthrow the state and sentenced to life imprisonment in the Rivonia Trial. He served 27 years in prison.
Amid growing domestic and international pressure, as well as increased fears of a racial civil war, president F W de Klerk released him in 1990.
One of his fellow prisoners was Andrew Mlangeni, who stood trial accused of sabotage against the apartheid government and spent 26 years in prison on Robben Island with Mr Mandela.
The 93-year-old said the collection of artefacts and pictures “brought back so many memories”.
Items on display include a collected works of Shakespeare, which was smuggled onto Robben Island and features annotations made by Mr Mandela and his contemporaries.
The Duke and Duchess paid particular attention to a pickaxe on show, similar to the one that he used when forced to carry out manual labour on Robben Island.
Baroness Doreen Lawrence, the mother of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence, who was a guest at the exhibition said: “Harry and Meghan are undoubtedly great advocates for important and just causes and you can tell they care passionately.”
The Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition runs until August 19.
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