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Nelson Mandela's state funeral is under way at his ancestral home in Qunu, ending a week of commemorations for South Africa's first black leader. Some 4,500 people - including foreign dignitaries - are attending the service, which blends state ceremonial with traditional rituals. 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. Mr Mandela died on 5 December aged 95. Members of his family attended an overnight vigil, with a traditional praise singer believed to be chanting details of his long journey and life. The coffin was taken on a gun carriage from Mr Mandela's house to a giant white marquee that had been specially erected. The state funeral started shortly after 06:00 GMT. Inside the marquee, Nelson Mandela's portrait had been placed behind two rows of candles, on one of three stages. After the national anthem, Nkosi Sikelel'I Africa (God Bless Africa) was sung, the service heard from a family spokesman, Chief Matanzima, who praised the army medical team that had treated Mr Mandela before he died. Mr Kathrada's voice filled with emotion as he spoke of the difficulty of recent months and of how he had held his friend's hand the last time he saw him in hospital. "Farewell my dear brother, my mentor, my leader," he said. Two grandchildren then addressed the congregation. Ndaba who read an obituary, and Nandi, who spoke fondly of her grandfather as a disciplinarian. "We shall miss you... your stern voice when you are not pleased with our behaviour. We shall miss your laughter." 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.