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Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Nelson Mandela's former wife and Nelson Mandela's widow Graca Machel stand over the former South African president's casket during his funeral service in Qunu, South Africa, today (Dec 15)

NELSON MANDELA'S state funeral is under way at his ancestral home in Qunu, ending a week of commemorations for the anti-apartheid hero.

Thousands of people - including foreign dignitaries - are attending the service, which blends state ceremonial with traditional rituals.

Members of his family attended an overnight vigil, with a traditional praise singer believed to be chanting details of his long journey and life.

In a markedly more serious ceremony than the memorial service on Tuesday (Dec 10), choral music rang out and somber speeches spoke about Mandela’s impact on South Africans and the rest of the world. The occasion combined military pomp with his clan’s traditions.

“Millions of people around the world have had their own Madiba moment,” Cyril Ramaphosa, activist, trade union leader and politician said during the ceremony, referring to Mandela by his clan name.

A close friend, Ahmed Kathrada, told the service he had lost an "elder brother" who was with him for many years in prison on Robben island.

Mandela died in his Johannesburg home on 5 December aged 95. His death followed months of ill-health. He had been suffering a recurrent lung infection and was receiving treatment at his family home.

The state funeral started shortly after 6am GMT.

Listening to the tributes were Graca Machel, his widow, and his second wife, Winnie-Madikizela Mandela, who sat either side of President Jacob Zuma.

African National Congress members, veterans of the fight against apartheid and foreign dignitaries - including several African presidents, the Prince of Wales - are among the guests.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu - a long-time friend of Nelson Mandela - is there, having earlier said he had cancelled his flight as he had not received an invitation. US talk show host Oprah Winfrey is also present.

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