The Queen later visited a plaque commemorating Mr Mandela's 1996 visit to Parliament. She was shown the plaque by House of Commons Speaker John Bercow as she visited Westminster Hall. The Prince of Wales also paid tribute to Mr Mandela, describing him as "the embodiment of courage and reconciliation." David Cameron, who was the first to sign a book of condolence at South Africa House in London, hailed Mr Mandela's "extraordinary generosity of spirit" and "extraordinary forgiveness," describing him as an "inspiration for the future." In his message, he said that Mr Mandela would "inspire generations to come." "Your cause of fighting for freedom and against discrimination, your struggle for justice, your triumph against adversity - these things will inspire generations to come," he wrote. And through all of this, your generosity, compassion and profound sense of forgiveness have given us all lessons to learn and live by. The tributes to Nelson Mandela illustrated the breath of his global appeal and the extent to which he has inspired millions across the globe. Almost every major international statesman, religious leaders such as the Pope and the Dalai Lama, Hollywood stars such as Morgan Freeman and Charlize Theron, and sports stars, including Tiger Woods, all paid their respects to South Africa's first black president, saying he was a heroic force for peace and reconciliation. Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister, recalled with fondness Mr Mandela's visits to Downing Street. "He was a wonderful man to be around, with a sharp wit, extraordinary political savvy and a lovely way of charming everyone in a building," he said. So the warmth of his personality was equal to the magnitude of his contribution to the world. From London to Washington, Tehran to Beijing, condolences were paid and flags were flying at half-mast in many of the world's cities. India declared five days of mourning for a man the prime minister labelled "a true Gandhian." The Dalai Lama, who counted Mr Mandela as a close confidant, said that he would personally miss a "dear friend" - who, he added, he had hoped to meet again. In Britain, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis described Mandela as "an inspiration to me and countless others." He added: "A transformational figure who truly changed the world, Mandela proved that hope is a powerful tool for change. When coupled with a shared vision for a better future it is an unstoppable force for good. President Xi Jinping of China, which supported apartheid's opponents throughout the Cold War, praised Mr Mandela's victory in the anti-apartheid struggle and his contribution to "the cause of human progress." Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said the world had lost "a visionary leader, a courageous voice for justice and a clear moral compass." Both Annan and Archbishop Desmond Tutu were part of Mandela's group of statesmen known as The Elders. But, of course, Mandela's appeal went far beyond the world of politics and statecraft. Beyonce posted a photograph of herself, her husband Jay-Z, and Mandela and Graca Machel with the caption: "Thank you for all you have sacrificed to improve the lives of other human beings. Rest in peace," while Lady Gaga told her 40 million followers on Twitter: "It is such a sad yet beautiful moment that Nelson Mandela has passed. A time to celebrate him & remember his contributions to humankind. Charlize Theron, the Oscar-winning South African actress, said: "There will never be words to say what I'm feeling right now. I am saddened to the depths of my soul. You will be missed, but your impact on this world will live forever. Mr Mandela once said that "sport has the power to change the world," and sports stars were queuing up to praise him. David Beckham said: "We have lost a true gentleman and a courageous human being. Rafael Nadal, the tennis world number one, described him as "a role model to the world," while Usain Bolt - the world's fastest sprinter - paid tribute to "one of the greatest human beings ever. And as the reality of a world without Nelson Mandela sunk in, people were united in their hope that his legacy of tolerance, respect and courage in convictions would live on. Jesse Jackson, the American civil rights leader, said his "imprint" would be "everlasting." "My heart weighs heavy," said Mr Jackson. "Nelson Mandela was a transformational figure; to say he was a "historical figure" would not give him his full due. Now, both South Africa and the US have unfinished business to complete. Mandela is not gone, he remains with us always. He'll always be a chin bar to pull up on. Mandela has indeed forged South Africa as a new "beauty from ashes." Every now and then a soul of rare vintage comes our way. That by circumstances, sacrifice and suffering, finds its way into the soul of our global culture, the family of man, and calls our better angels to fly. Such a soul is Nelson Mandela. Mr Mandela's eldest grandson, Mandla, yesterday said the messages of support from around the world had "heartened and overwhelmed us."