The encounter brought together two of the icons of the modern world, but it was a third participant, Prince Charles who provided the link.





"These are my heroes," Mr Mandela joked.

The group, whose motto is "girl power", are playing in a charity concert to mark the Prince of Wales's visit.

Among the fans are Charles and his youngest son Prince Harry, who has spent the past three days on a private game farm with a school friend.





Prince Charles helped to organise the meeting

"It is the second greatest moment in my life," the Prince said. "The greatest was the first time that I met them."

The Spice Girls, one of Britain's most successful pop groups since the Beatles, wore typically colourful clothes and high-platform shoes.