Nelson Mandela, 'a great friend to Spain'
Friday, December 6, 2013 @ 11:23 AM
Royal family and Spanish government describe their 'deep sadness' at the loss of a 'true fighter' as 'Madiba' loses his fight for life
SPAIN is in mourning for the late South African president and human rights' activist Nelson Mandela, and the King and Queen have already paid tribute to the great man's bravery and integrity.
Mandela, who was released from prison in 1990 after a lifelong battle against apartheid before securing a landslide victory in 1994 when he ran for president, passed away this morning (Friday) after many months of round-the-clock home care following a lung infection.
He was 95 years old.
President of the USA, Barack Obama said he could 'not imagine his own life' without Mandela's influence – both having become the first black presidents of countries where race hate at all levels of society was rife until just a few decades ago.
And King Juan Carlos of Spain, pictured here with the newly-released Mandela, mourned the loss of a 'great friend' to the Spanish Royal family.
The King, Queen Sofía and the Prince and Princess of Asturias, HRHs Felipe and Letizia, have written personally to South African president Jacob Zuma to express their 'deep sadness' about the loss of a 'close friend' and 'key figure in history'.
“He was a very good friend whom we'll never forget – a man with a fighting spirit, always searching for freedom, justice and peace among the people,” said the Royal letter.
HRHs Felipe and Letizia expressed their 'love and support' for Graça Machel, Mandela's widow.
Read more at thinkSPAIN.com