Nelson Mandela arrived in Britain this morning ahead of his 90th birthday concert on Friday.
Mr Mandela is expected to host a dinner party with celebrities and world leaders on Wednesday including prime minister Gordon Brown.
Nelson Mandela is in London for a week of events to celebrate his 90th birthday
His birthday concert, featuring acts such as Queen, Leona Lewis and Annie Lennox will take place in Hyde Park on Friday.
There will also be South African music from the Soweto Gospel Choir.
Dame Shirley Bassey pulled out of the concert following an emergency stomach operation last month, her spokesman said today.
The 71-year-old singer, who lives in Monaco, had been expected to recover in time for Friday's event.
But she has now been advised by doctors not to travel following the operation.
PA