Nelson Mandela has accepted a unique honorary doctorate from Queen's University, Belfast.
The former South African President will formally become the university's Centenary Honorary Graduate at a ceremony tonight.
Mr Mandela, who was in London for his 90th birthday celebration concert in Hyde Park last Friday, is not able to attend the ceremony, but recorded a message to be played at the event.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner, who led the struggle against apartheid, receives his doctorate for distinction in public service.
In his citation, Queen's Chancellor Senator George Mitchell described Mr Mandela as 'an inspirational figure'.
