The Latest Breaking News from Nelson Mandela

South African president was the one world leader who could dispense with formality with Elizabeth II

To carry on his mother’s work and confront the legacy of colonialism will require unique skills

Elizabeth II maintained special ties with Britain’s former colonies and the members of the Commonwealth states in Africa. From the beginning of her reign in Kenya to her memorable meetings with Kwame Nkrumah and Nelson Mandela, the Queen had a long-standing relationship with the African continent.

Barack Obama had attended Nelson Mandela’s funeral with George Bush and Bill Clinton

(This September 10 story corrects second paragraph to make clear date of Mandela's first visit to Buckingham Palace was 1996, not 1995)

He told hosts Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty: “She was extraordinary and it wasn't simply because she was the Queen, I think it was the nature of her personality."

From becoming head of the Commonwealth of Nations in 1952 to witnessing the independence of many African countries, Queen Elizabeth II watched a century of history unfold. RFI looks at some of the key moments in the late monarch’s relationship with the African continent.

The late Queen Elizabeth ll of England dominates today's newspapers worldwide, with editors reaching for muted superlatives to honour an admired, admirable stateswoman.

The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral Castle after a life of service, much of it recorded on film. Here are some of the highlights of a remarkable reign

On her 21st birthday, 21 April 1947, when Britain’s Princess Elizabeth was accompanying her parents and her sister on a tour of South Africa, she spoke “to all the peoples of the British Commonwealth and Empire, wherever they live, whatever race they came from, and whatever language they speak”.

Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth was a friend of the Duke of Edinburgh.