On Thursday, the world said goodbye to one of the most iconic and influential leaders of our time. Former South African president and anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela died at the age of 95. His death was announced by South African President Jacob Zuma, who called Mandela the country's "greatest son." 

"Our people have lost their father," said Zuma, reports CNN.

For 27 years, Mandela was held as a political prisoner, from 1962 to 1990. Four years after Mandela was released from prison, he went on to become South Africa's first black president in 1994.

Millions of people from around the globe, including world leaders, have expressed both grief and reverence for a man who became an adopted world citizen.

President Barack Obama referred to Mandela as a personal inspiration in a speech delivered at the White House within an hour of the announcement that he had passed on.

"He no longer belongs to us," said an emotional Obama, according to USA Today. "He belongs to the ages."

Obama described Mandela as "one of the most influential, courageous, and profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with on this Earth."

"Like so many around the globe, I cannot fully imagine my own life without the example that Nelson Mandela set. And so long as I live I will do what I can to learn from him."

Former American Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton also reflected on Mandela's legacy in a public statement.

"President Mandela was one of the great forces for freedom and equality of our time," said former President Bush. "He bore his burdens with dignity and grace, and our world is better off because of his example."

Former President Clinton said, "The world has lost one of its most important leaders and one of its finest human beings ... History will remember Nelson Mandela as a champion for human dignity and freedom, for peace and reconciliation."

Prince William expressed his grievances in the wake of Mandela's death moments after watching the U.K. premiere of the film "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom," a biopic depicting the remarkable leader's life, reports People.  

"We were delivered the news as the credits rolled," tweeted The Mail. "Silence here in the cinema where the royal couple have just watched Mandela. RIP."

"I just wanted to say it's extremely sad and tragic news," Prince William said with Kate by his side after the premiere at the Odeon cinema. "We were just reminded what an extraordinary and inspiring man Nelson Mandela was. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. It's very sad."

On Twitter, British Prime Minister David Cameron expressed his grief, calling Mandela "a hero of our time."

"A great light has gone out in the world. Nelson Mandela was a hero of our time. I've asked for the flag at No10 to be flown at half mast."

In recent years, the South African leader battled health issues that included multiple hospitalizations for treatment of a recurring lung infection.

He will be buried in a state funeral on Sunday, Dec. 15, in his hometown of Qunu in the Eastern Cape province. Following that, the official memorial service will be held Tuesday in the First National Bank Stadium in Johannesburg.