Nelson Mandela’s star-studded 90th birthday charity dinner took place on June 25, 2008 in Hyde Park, London, England.

Nelson Mandela was celebrating his 90th birthday in style, hosting a private dinner party attended by celebrity A-listers and world leaders in London’s Hyde Park.

The former South African president was greeted by 520 special guests, including actors Robert De Niro and Will Smith and activist Sir Bob Geldof.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown and former American president Bill Clinton were also there to pay tribute.

Full of praise for Mr Mandela were guests including wife of former prime minister Tony Blair, Cherie Blair, who said: “I can assure you that the honour is all ours.”

US chat show host Oprah Winfrey added: “What is so special is that you spend 27 years in prison, you come out and you do the thing that everyone thought was impossible to do, become president of the nation and change the way people feel about Africa, and then you get to live to celebrate 90.

“I just don’t know anybody who deserves this more or anybody who we should be gathered around literally at his feet to say thank you for all that he has given the world.”

Source: Mandela marks birthday with dinner

Top photo: Nelson Mandela and his wife, Graça Machel with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, Denzel Washington and Paulette Washington. Second photo: Will Smith with former President Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela

(Photo credit: Rex Features Ltd.)

Nelson Mandela and his wife, Graça Machel (Getty Images)

As anticipated, Mandela spoke about the crisis in Zimbabwe.

He said: “The world remains beset by so much human suffering, poverty and deprivation. It is in your hands to make our world a better one for all, especially the poor, vulnerable and marginalised.”We look back at much human progress, but we sadly note so much failing as well.

“In our time we spoke out on the situation in Palestine and Israel, and that conflict continues unabated. We warned against the invasion of Iraq, and observe the terrible suffering in that country.

“We watch with sadness the continuing tragedy in Darfur. Nearer to home we had seen the outbreak of violence against fellow Africans in our own country and the tragic failure of leadership in our neighbouring Zimbabwe.

“It is within this context that we should also see the plight of those affected by HIV and Aids. It is now in the hands of your generations to help rid the world of such suffering.”

Source: Mandela condemns Mugabe regime

Photo credit: Getty Images

***UPDATE***

Here is an ITN news report on Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday charity dinner

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith

Denzel Washington and wife, Paulette Washington

Bob Geldof and Oprah Winfrey

Forest Whitaker and his wife, Keisha Whitaker

Naomi Campbell 

Leona Lewis

Lewis Hamilton and Nichole Scherzinger

Robert De Niro and wife, Grace Hightower

Photos: Nelson Mandela 90th Birthday Dinner in London Brings Out the Stars