Nelson Mandela meets Monaco's Princess Caroline in South Africa

Monaco's Princess Caroline visited former President Nelson Mandela Tuesday at the end of a two-week tour of African countries to promote children's rights.

Photo: Nelson Mandela meets Monaco's Princess Caroline in South Africa

Mandela, who has appeared frail at recent events, emerged from the offices of his foundation to greet reporters laughing and joking with Caroline and his wife, Graca Machel.

He paid tribute to Caroline's parents, Prince Rainier of Monaco and American actress Grace Kelly, calling them "kind and talented."

"It is wonderful to have the princess here and she is as beautiful as ever," he said.

Holding his hand, Caroline, said it was an honor for her to be in South Africa and with Mandela.

"You are a living example of what a human being should be. If there is one thing you have taught us all, it is to care and we will try humbly to follow the high standards you have set," she said.

Caroline is president of the World Association of Children's Friends, a nonprofit child-advocacy organization founded by her mother, reports AP.

This is her first trip to South Africa and comes after stops in Niger, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo where she visited various projects run by her organization.

"The trip has been very busy. It has been an intense one but also a rich one. I have seen a lot and got a better view of how we can work with children in areas of health and education," she said.