LONDON — Prince William and others attending the London premiere of a new film about Nelson Mandela were told of his death Thursday night as the closing credits rolled.

The news broke during the premiere. Stopping the screening of “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” was discussed, but Mandela’s daughters asked that the film continue, a film spokesman said Thursday.

His two youngest daughters, who were at the premiere, were told of their father’s death during the screening “and immediately left the cinema,” a statement from the Nelson Mandela Foundation said.

The film’s producer, Anant Singh, announced Mandela’s death once the film was over, and he called for a moment of silence.

The audience included the film’s stars and William and his wife, Kate.

“It was extremely sad and tragic news,” William said upon leaving.