Nelson Mandela met with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace on June 25, 2008.

“You look younger every time I see you,” the 89-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate told the British sovereign, who is 82, as she had him round for an informal chat.

Mandela is in London for a giant 90th birthday concert in Hyde Park on Friday in support of his 46664 Aids campaign, named after his old prison number.

Queen Elizabeth and the elder statesman have met on several occasions and appear to share a warm friendship.

Inside her official residence, Mandela, wearing a trademark colourful shirt, this time gold with a leaf pattern, was helped forward by a palace aide and a walking stick as he slowly stepped forward to greet the monarch.

As the pair sat opposite each other, Queen Elizabeth, smiling, told Mandela: “It’s very nice weather, arranged just for you.”

The former president was accompanied by his wife, Graca Machel.

Source: Mandela charms Queen Elizabeth on London visit

Photo credit: AFP/Getty Images

Although frail, Mandela, fortunately, was able to make the trip to London for his 90th birthday celebration. He has an affinity for Great Britain in general and London in particular, as The Times of London noted a news report on June 21st, in advance of his visit.

Nelson Mandela arrives in London, June 23, 2008 (Photo credit: Telegraph.co.uk)

His fondness for Britain is partly due to the weekly demonstrations that took place outside South Africa House in Trafalgar Square throughout his detention. When he supported London’s bid to hold the 2012 Olympics, a move that was regarded as crucial in attracting support from Third World countries, he said: “There is no city like London. It is a wonderfully diverse and open city. I can’t think of a better place than London to hold an event that united the world.”

His minders, led by his wife Graça Machel, have imposed a news blackout on his activities before the concert. This is partly to avoid creating speculation about his health if tiredness causes him to cancel an event suddenly, and partly not to cause offence to those that he does not meet.

It is likely that Mr Mandela will meet the Queen, whom he calls “Elizabeth”. “He is probably the only man in the world who could get away with that,” said a former employee who heard him answer the phone with “Hello Elizabeth” rather than the more customary “Your Majesty”.

Source: Nelson Mandela’s ill health brings added poignancy to farewell tour

Video & Photos: Nelson Mandela Meets with Queen Elizabeth II 6-25-08