Naomie Harris and Idris Elba take to the red carpet for premiere of Nelson Mandela film… just hours before news of South African leader's death

Actors Naomie Harris and Idris Elba attended the Royal  Film Performance of Mandela on Thursday evening, unaware that just a short time later it would be announced that the film’s subject, Nelson Mandela, had passed away at the age of 95.
The premiere, which was attended by various members of the Mandela family, is touchingly timed as it pays tribute to the first democratically elected president of South Africa.
Idris, who took on the task of portraying Mandela in the film, poignantly told the MailOnline on the red carpet that he didn’t think the leader necessarily even had to watch the film as he had ‘been there and done it.’

Unaware: Idris Elba and Naomie Harris posed at the premiere of Mandela on Thursday evening unaware of the former president's death

Speaking about the role he said: 'Everyone knows who Mandela is, everyone has an idea of what he sounds and looks like. I worked really hard to pull in all the elements,
from the sound of his voice to the way he walks. I don't look anything like him but it was really important the audience got a sense of who Mandela is because the likelihood is that we will never meet him in person.

A great loss: Nelson Mandela passed away on Thursday at the age of 95

'For someone who doesn't look like Mandela you have got to work harder to get the audience in there.
'I think he [Mandela] has seen parts of the film but ultimately it's about his life, he's been there, he's done it - so he might not even need to see it.
'Tonight is extra special because this is my country and when the royals come out to watch a film it's. a big deal. I feel very proud that it's my film, really proud.'
The current South African president Jacob Zuma broke the news on Thursday evening that Mandela had passed away.
In a televised address, Mr Zuma said: 'Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father.
'What made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human. We saw in him what we seek in ourselves.'
Mandela's death came nearly five months he was admitted to hospital with a lung infection.
Naomie, who plays Winnie Madikizela in the film, wore a strapless black dress featuring an embellished peplum detail by Alexander McQueen for what will now be an occasion she will never forget.

Showing stopping: Naomie stunned in her strapless gown and with her immaculate hair and make-up

While her toned arms and shapely shoulders were on show, it was her very slim waist – accentuated by the gold detailing of the peplum – which took centre stage at the Odeon Leicester Square. The actress added to her very elegant look, which was very appropriate in the company of royalty, by wearing her hair in big bouncy waves falling down her back.
A finishing touch was made with a pair of silver peplum detail, creating a truly stunning red carpet look. 

Embellished: Naomie's strapless black dress featured a gold peplum section which showed off her waist

Warm welcome: The actress was greeted by hundreds of photographers who were keen to capture the moment

Toned: The 37-year-old's strapless dress showed off her toned arm muscles

Fancy seeing you here: Naomie was joined on the carpet by her co-star Idris Elba

Getting along famously: Naomie and Idris had a giggle as they posed up together on the red carpet

Dapper: Idris, who plays Mandela in the film looked very smart as did Richard E. Grant (R) who wore a bow tie for the occasion

Shinning bright: Despite the royals being in attendance Idris and Naomie took centre stage

Speaking at the premiere of the film which chronicles Mandela's early life, coming of age, education and 27 years in prison during the apartheid era before becoming President, Naomie said she was delighted that William and Kate were there, saying:
'I have met him before several times at the polo and I hear she is just as down to earth as him.'
And it seems Kate was just as happy to be there as she dressed to impress for the occasion wearing a daring dress by French designer Roland Mouret featuring a thigh high split.
The Duchess, who was joined by her husband Prince William, added an eye-catching costume jewellery necklace to cream gown, while her hair was swept back in a modern ponytail to show off her dramatic neckline to best effect. 

Royal guests: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge were in attendance at the premiere

Daring: The gown by French designer Roland Mouret may have been long sleeved but it featured a thigh-high split which showed off her legs

Family matters: Nelson's granddaughter Zindzi Mandela looked stunning in an off the shoulder dress

Strike a pose: (Left - right) Producer Anant Singh and Zindzi Mandela (right) posed up once inside the cinema

Each year the Royal Film Performance is staged to raise funds for the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund, which supports industry employees and their families in times of hardship.
As well as the film’s director and cast, the Duke and Duchess will meet a selection of the film’s trustees and beneficiaries.
Also benefitting from this year’s event is The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, which works with the disadvantaged youth of South Africa.

Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom is released in the UK on January 3.

Girls night out: Jamelia was joined by her daughters Teja and Tiani (right) for the screening

Eye-catching: Both Emma McQuiston (L) and Irish model Joanne Salley (r) opted for very eye-catching dresses

Noisy for a Noisette: Singer Shingai Shoniwa wore a bright and bold dress which made her stand out from the crowd