Thousands of mourners line the streets as Nelson Mandela's body is driven to lie in state

Tribute: Military officers carry the coffin of former president Nelson Mandela into the Union Buildings in the South African capital Pretoria, the seat of government where he will lie in state for three days

Citizens stood on top of bollards and clamoured to film the historic passing of the cortege on their phones

Icon: Despite the early start, citizens thronged the streets of downtown Pretoria to glimpse the hearse

Cortege: The body of Nelson Mandela is driven through the streets of the capital Pretoria this morning

Soldiers salute Mr Mandela's coffin as it leaves the 1 Military Hospital on the outskirts of Pretoria this morning

Emotional: Thousands of South Africans waved and paid their respects to their first black president

Tribute: South Africans lined the streets as Mr Mandela's remains were driven past at about 7am

Onlookers waited for hours. One told Sky News: 'We loved that man. He fought for us to be here'

Patriotic: Draped in the flag of modern South Africa, Mr Mandela's coffin arrives at the Union Buildings

One onlooker told Sky News: 'We loved that man and he fought for us. He fought for us to be here so Viva Mandela and let him rest in peace.'

Protected: Dozens of outriders accompanied the hearse of Mr Mandela as it travelled through Pretoria

Meanwhile a public memorial service in London today will remember the life of the anti-apartheid leader.

Sombre: While Mr Mandela's death at 95 was sad, most used the occasion to celebrate his achievements

Poignant: Flowers lie on the road as Mr Mandela's cortege skirts through the outskirts of the capital

Mr Mandela, who died last Thursday aged 95, was described as one of the most iconic world leaders in history.