Friends, family, dignitaries gather for Mandela's funeral

Nelson Mandela's funeral service began on Sunday with the singing of the Xhosa hymn Lizalis' idinga lakho - Fulfil your promise - before the emotional tributes began.

Inside the marquee for Nelson Mandela's funeral. (AFP)

Nelson Mandela's funeral service began on Sunday with the singing of the Xhosa hymn Lizalis' idinga lakho - "Fulfil your promise".

An estimated 4500 people filled a marquee in Mandela's boyhood town of Qunu, where he was set to be laid to rest.

Top government officials and foreign dignitaries and celebrities, ranging from Britain's Prince Charles to US talk show queen Oprah Winfrey, attended.

Mandela's flag-draped casket was brought to the ceremony on a gun carriage as the 21-gun salute rang out over the surrounding hills of Eastern Cape province.