The Duke and Duchess of Sussex officially opened the Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition at Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall today.
The Duchess arriving.
The exhibition explores the life and times of Nelson Mandela (1918 – 2013) and marks the centenary of his birth.
It provides insight into Mandela’s journey from young freedom fighter to becoming the inspiration for an international movement against South Africa’s violent and oppressive apartheid system. The exhibition is jointly curated by the Apartheid Museum in South Africa, the British Anti-Apartheid Movement Archives, and the Southbank Centre.
The couple were met by CEO Elaine Bedell.
A gorgeous photo of the couple inside the centre.
Born and raised in a rural village, Mandela joined the African National Congress where he became a leading figure in the fight against apartheid. Enduring life on the run, several long political trials, and ultimately 27 years in prison, Mandela developed a deep wisdom and a distinct ability to connect with others. As he famously said of his and others’ struggle against apartheid: ‘I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.’ It was not just his ideas, but also his magnanimous personality, resilience and charm that enabled Mandela to lead South Africa through a volatile transition. In 1994, he became the country’s first democratically elected president. He transformed the political landscape at home and around the world, becoming one of the most influential and iconic individuals of the 20th century.
Born and raised in a rural village, Mandela joined the African National Congress where he became a leading figure in the fight against apartheid. Enduring life on the run, several long political trials, and ultimately 27 years in prison, Mandela developed a deep wisdom and a distinct ability to connect with others. As he famously said of his and others’ struggle against apartheid: ‘I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.’ It was not just his ideas, but also his magnanimous personality, resilience and charm that enabled Mandela to lead South Africa through a volatile transition. In 1994, he became the country’s first democratically elected president. He transformed the political landscape at home and around the world, becoming one of the most influential and iconic individuals of the 20th century.
In 1996 on a visit to London, Nelson Mandela said:
"The response of the people of this country exceeded my wildest expectations... I wish I had big pockets, because I love each and every one of you, and I'd like to fit you in my pocket and return with you to South Africa."
Kathi Scott, Executive Director of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund UK said 'Mr Mandela recognised that Britain was the heartland of the anti-apartheid struggle. Twenty-two years later, on the occasion of his centenary, it is wonderful and fitting that such an important exhibition comes to life at Southbank Centre in London, where so many people in this country will have the chance to continue his wonderful legacy.'
The exhibition is based around six themes (Character, Comrade, Leader, Prisoner, Negotiator, Statesman), and is made up of information and photo panels, along with films and archive items from different periods of Nelson Mandela's life.
Harry and Meghan toured the exhibition and at each themed panel.
They met people associated with the exhibition and with Mandela's work including Andrew Mlangeni, who stood as an accused on charges of sabotage against the then apartheid government during the Rivonia Trials, and spent 26 years imprisoned on Robben Island.
They met people associated with the exhibition and with Mandela's work including Andrew Mlangeni, who stood as an accused on charges of sabotage against the then apartheid government during the Rivonia Trials, and spent 26 years imprisoned on Robben Island.
The Duke and Duchess also met Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter Zamaswazi Dlamini-Mandela.
The Mail Online reports:
Omid Scobie shared the full quote from Zamaswazi Dlamini:
Harry and Meghan viewed the Robben Island Bible - which was actually a copy of Shakespeare plays disguised as a Bible.
'Nelson Mandela's granddaughter said today that the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex's stance on 'justice and fairness in the world makes them a shining example for the youth of today'.
She 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. 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.'
Omid Scobie shared the full quote from Zamaswazi Dlamini:
Harry and Meghan viewed the Robben Island Bible - which was actually a copy of Shakespeare plays disguised as a Bible.
The Robben Island Bible.
They met Paul and Adelaide Joseph, Anti-Apartheid activists and close friends of Nelson Mandela and Winnie Mandela.
The royals heard speeches by Lord Peter Hain, Chair of The Nelson Mandela Centenary Committee, and Elaine Bedell, Chief Executive of Southbank Centre, before joining those present in celebrating the official opening of the exhibition.
Queen Elizabeth Hall reopened in April 2018 following almost three years of renovations with world class, environmentally-improved new facilities for audiences and artists. It was the perfect choice of location for the exhibition.
Harry and Meghan departing.
A video from the engagement.
Meghan wore the blush pink Sleeveless Trench Dress by ethical Canadian label House of Nonie.
Made in Canada, the $1085 piece is described as "A light trench coat from the Nonie SS18 collection. This sleeveless trench is cut from a stretchy mid-weight cotton blend fabric and features an open detail in the back and front tying straps."
The brand was launched by Nina Kharey a decade ago. The collections are made with a tailored and refined aesthetic, with a twist of Eastern inspiration. Kharey has always felt passionately about keeping the brand true to its Canadian roots. “I’m incredibly proud to be ethically producing in Canada and contributing to this industry here. It’s sad to see how much of it is a struggle when it comes to factories, and also sales.”
The dress is a piece from Meghan's closet. She purchased it while living in Canada last year. People reports:
“Seeing Meghan Markle, wear the NONIE Trench Dress today with such elegance and grace is beyond exciting!” Nina Kharey, founder and creative director of NONIE tells PEOPLE. “Her continuous support of Canadian brands is remarkable, and it is a true honor to be the first Canadian based ready-to-wear designer she has worn since her wedding earlier this year.”
And after a flurry of new fashion purchases, the $825 NONIE dress, from the brand’s Spring/Summer 2018 collection, is actually a re-wear from her own closet. The duchess purchased it from the Calgary-based designer while living in Toronto, just before she moved to London in the fall of 2017.
Taking inspiration from Eastern Europe and India, Kharey launched her minimalist brand in 2008. She later took a break from the industry, coming back in 2015 with a full collection. Meghan’s best friend and stylist Jessica Mulroney is also a fan of the ready-to-wear womenswear label.'
Global News Canada spoke to Nina Kharey:
“It’s just surreal, I still can’t believe it’s actually happened,” Kharey said to the Calgary Herald. “She looks stunning, stunning. I actually can’t get over how good she looks in it. I’ve been trying to imagine what she would look like in it.
Kharey said that Markle requested the dress last November prior to her engagement. It may have taken her some time to pull it out of her wardrobe, but it was well worth the wait for the designer who said that she immediately began to feel the “Meghan effect.”
“Getting that royal stamp of approval is just huge. … It is tough doing this from Calgary but things like this, when the most famous woman in the world is wearing one of your dresses and looking amazing in it, it does wonders for a brand like mine.”
Heaven identified Meghan's new pumps as the Dior 'Dioressence' pumps.
Meghan carried the Mulberry Clifton Bag is Rosewater Classic Grain. It is described as "The Clifton is compact, understated shoulder bag that cleverly camouflages an organiser's paradise underneath its neat exterior. Internal compartments provide ample room for essential." It's reduced from £750 to £600 at Mulberry and Italist.
The Duchess accessorised with stacking rings and a gold bracelet.
And a look at Meghan's earrings.
Meghan's Mirror identified them as the sold out Birks 'Bee Chic' white quartz silver earrings.
The Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition will run at Southbank Centre from 17th July to 19th August.