Nelson Mandela: Prince William and Kate were watching Long Walk to Freedom when news broke "What an honor it was to step into the shoes of Nelson Mandela and portray a man who defied odds, broke down barriers, and championed human rights before the eyes of the world," Mr Elba said. Harvey Weinstein, the film's producer, said he had been "unspeakably fortunate" to have portrayed Mr Mandela. It's been an honour to have been granted such proximity to a man who will go down as one of history's greatest freedom fighters and advocates for justice. I have had the privilege of spending time with President Mandela and I can say his sense of humour was as great as his optimism. We are deeply saddened by his loss; our hearts go out to his family and the entire South African nation. Morgan Freeman, who played Mr Mandela in the film Invictus, said the world had lost "a true giant." Nelson Mandela was a man of incomparable honor, unconquerable strength, and unyielding resolve; a saint to many, a hero to all who treasure liberty, freedom and the dignity of humankind. As we remember his triumphs, let us, in his memory, not just reflect on how far we've come, but on how far we have to go.