King Charles praises South African chess set donated by Nelson Mandela | Royal | The news | So Good News

A stunning chess set gifted to the late Duke of Edinburgh by former South African president and civil rights champion Nelson Mandela has been proudly displayed at Buckingham Palace. The set was part of the artefacts on display in honor of Rainbow Nation President Cyril Ramaphosa’s state visit.

King Charles described the group as “pretty cool” as he showed President Ramaphosa pieces from the Royal Collection Trust (RCT) focusing on Anglo-South African relations.

Instead of the traditional black and white playing pieces, Mr Mandela’s gift pits the Zulu and Ndebele tribes against each other.

The Daily Mail’s royal correspondent Rebecca English described the chess set as “one of my favorite moments” at the event.

Other highlights in the “great display” at the RCT included a photograph of the then Prince of Wales with the Spice Girls.

A number of royals attended to enjoy the artefacts on offer, from the Countess of Wessex to the Duke of Gloucester and the Prince and Princess of Wales.

The Duchess of Cambridge stunned in an Emilia Wickstead dress, Sean Barrett hat and Prince of Wales feather pendant.

The King and Queen Consort Camilla hosted President Ramaphosa at a state banquet at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday evening.

READ MORE: Meghan Markle and Harry Netflix docu-series ‘pending’ release date

The sapphire set was given to the late Queen when she was Princess Elizabeth by her father, King George VI, on her wedding day in 1947.

President Ramaphosa will have another busy day on Wednesday as he will visit Kew Gardens and Francis Creek Institute.

He is also expected to meet with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Secretary of State for International Trade Kemi Badenoch.