Queen Elizabeth, Oprah Winfrey and Meghan Markle paid tribute to Desmond Tutu

On Sunday morning, 26 December, news broke worldwide that Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu has passed away at the age of 90. 

READ: Obama hails Archbishop Tutu as mentor, 'moral compass'

“The passing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is another chapter of bereavement in our nation’s farewell to a generation of outstanding South Africans who have bequeathed us a liberated South Africa,” said President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

“Desmond Tutu was a patriot without equal; a leader of principle and pragmatism who gave meaning to the biblical insight that faith without works is dead.”

READ: Tutu to lie in state ahead of New Year’s funeral

Ramaphosa added that not only did Tutu inspire the world, he also overcame many personal challenges including his battle with tuberculosis.

Tutu was the last surviving South African laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Tutu is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Nomaliza Leah Shexane, their four children, and seven grandchildren.

READ: Harry and Meghan share first photo of daughter Lilibet

As part of a seven-day mourning period, Tutu will lie in state for two days at St. George Cathedral in Cape Town.

People around the world paid tribute to the legendary apartheid activist. 

Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle praised Tutu's "joyful spirit."

Oprah Winfrey thanked Tutu for being a "peacemaker" and "justice warrior."

"I remember with fondness my meetings with him and his great warmth and humour," Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth shared on social media. 

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Image Credit: Twitter/ Omid Scobie