Mr Mandela laid a wreath at the Princess's resting place, on her brother's Althorp estate in Northamptonshire.

He arrived in a four-car convoy shortly before 1230 GMT on Friday and paused briefly at the gates for security checks before continuing on into the grounds.

Mr Mandela also met several disabled children who have benefited from the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund.

President Mandela and Diana met in 1997

The Earl then accompanied Mr Mandela on a brief driven tour of the grounds before Mr Mandela was invited to plant an oak tree.

Mr Mandela visited Diana's island grave and laid a wreath at the graveside.

Mr Mandela's charity has been working alongside the Diana Princess of Wales memorial fund to improve the lives of South African children for some time.

But now they are coming together to help young people affected by aids and HIV.

Princess Diana met Mr Mandela in South Africa in 1997.