The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the London premiere of Mandela: The Long Walk To Freedom on Thursday night - unaware until the end of the film that Nelson Mandela had sadly passed away.
According to the Daily Mail, upon hearing the news after the film, Prince William said: "I just wanted to say it's extremely sad and tragic news.
"We were just reminded what an extraordinary and inspiring man Nelson Mandela was. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. It's very sad."
Just Jared reports that Kate and William were informed about his death discreetly by an aide towards the end of the movie.
The news was then passed on to the other stunned viewers at the end of the credits, and a two minutes' silence was held in the cinema.
The royal couple were greeted by the film's leading stars, Idris Elba and Naomie Harris, when they arrived at the premiere of the biographical film of Mandela's life.
Kate looked exquisite in a cream Roland Mouret dress that featured a daring thigh-high split.
She accessorised with a statement bejewelled necklace, a low ponytail, and a simple pair of black courts.