Mandela final farewell in pictures

QUNU - Former South African President and anit-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela was Sunday laid to rest in his ancestral home in Qunu, just as he had asked while still alive. Let's take a trip through the final day of a week of commemmorative events.

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Presidential Guards escort the coffin of the revered former leader for the funeral in Qunu. PHOTO/AFP

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On a hot day, a motorcade escorts the remains of Nelson Mandela for the state funeral in Qunu. PHOTO/AFP

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Bishop Ziphozihle Siwa speaks during the funeral ceremony. PHOTO/AFP

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95 candles were lit during the funeral ceremony, symbolizing the 95 years of Mandela's long life. CREDIT/AFP

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The coffin containing the remains of the global icon was draped in a South African flag. CREDIT/AFP

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President Jacob Zuma sits between the widow Graca Machel (R) and ex-wife Winnie Mandela Madikizela. CREDIT/AFP

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Zambia's President Kenneth David Kaunda speaks during the funeral ceremony. PHOTO/AFP

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Mandela's grandson Mandla next to the coffin of the revered anti-apartheid icon. CREDIT/AFP

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Mandela's grandson Ndaba delivers a speech during the funeral. CREDIT/AFP

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When Mandela stepped down as president of South Africa and the ANC, Thabo Mbeki stepped into those massive shoes.  CREDIT/AFP

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US TV host Oprah Winfrey also attended the funeral of her great friend. CREDIT/AFP

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As did Britain's Prince Charles, the husband to Princess Diana (RIP) and father to Prince William and Prince Harry. CREDIT/AFP

WATCHING FROM A DISTANCE

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A group of women, dressed in the colours of the ruling ANC, with pictures of Mandela, watch the funeral on big screens installed in front of the Cape Town City Hall. PHOTO/AFP

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South Africans follow the main events on giant screens in Cape Town. PHOTO/AFP

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Millions of people across the world watch the funeral service of the global icon on their TVs and outdoor screens. PHOTO/AFP

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Sunday marked the end of a week of commemmorative events since the death of Mandela last Thursday. PHOTO/AFP

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Makaziwe Mandela (R) listening to speeches during the funeral service. CREDIT/AFP

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A young woman carrying a baby looks towards Nelson Mandela's family house in Qunu. PHOTO/AFP

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Locals sit on the grass as they watch the funeral on a giant screen (not seen) in a hill overlooking the valley where Mandela would later be buried. PHOTO/AFP

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The coat of arms of Nelson Mandela, as knight of the Swedish Order of the Seraphim, is carried from the palace to the royal burial church Riddarholmskyrkan in Stockholm, Sweden. CREDIT/AFP

THE FINAL WALK

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The coffin of South African former president Nelson Mandela leaves the funeral ceremony. CREDIT/AFP

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The coffin of Nelson Mandela is escorted to the burial site after the funeral service. CREDIT/AFP

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The traditional burial ceremony was a private affair, attended by a few people, including President Jacob Zuma. CREDIT/AFP

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Military helicopters fly over the grave where Nelson Mandela would moments later be laid to rest. CREDIT/AFP

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South African armed forces acting as pall bearers saluting as Nelson Mandela's coffin is lowered into the grave. CREDIT/AFP

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It was an aura of respect as Nelson Mandela was finally laid to rest after his inspiring Long Walk to Freedom. CREDIT/AFP

BYE BYE TATA MADIBA!

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After transforming his country and inspiring a world, Nelson Mandela finally rests. PHOTO/AFP