Nelson Mandela once called the Spice Girls his “heroes”.

In the 1990s, the Spice Girls were one of the biggest groups in the UK. They dominated the charts and won over countless people with their style and attitudes. They might even count several world leaders as fans. When the Spice Girls visited South Africa for a charity concert, Nelson Mandela spoke of his admiration for them.

Nelson Mandela had glowing words to say about the Spice Girls

In 1997, the Spice Girls traveled to Johannesburg to perform a charity concert. The event would support the Nation Trust, which Mandela and the British monarchy set up to benefit South African entrepreneurs. Before the show, the group attended a press conference with Mandela and the future King Charles III. The first could hardly stop smiling.

“You know, these are my heroes,” Mandela told HuffPost, adding, “This is one of the greatest moments of my life.”

Geri Halliwell gave a speech praising Mandela, linking his message to that of the Spice Girls.

“I think there’s a classic speech that Nelson Mandela made, I can’t remember exactly, but he mentioned (never suppressing yourself, never feeling small for other people’s insecurities,” she said. “And about it means girl power. So I think we’re on the same level from that point of view.”

In response to the group’s compliments, Mandela said they were just being “generous to an old man”. One of the Spice Girls reportedly replied: “You’re as young as you feel and I’m 25.”

The Spice Girls also met Prince Charles

Charles was also present at the press conference. When he took the podium, he described it as one of the best days of his life.

“It’s the second greatest moment of my life,” he said. “The coolest thing was the first time I met them.”

The first time the group met Charles was at a gala in 1997. The group ignored protocol and greeted him warmly.

“At the time, I was one of the more shy members of the band, so I was cringing inside when the girls were kissing Prince Charles,” Mel C told People. “I was like, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe I’m doing it.’ But now I’m very proud that the girls did it because I think that’s part of the reason why people fell in love with the Spice Girls. I was kind of doing what everyone wished they could do, and it was never malicious. It was always with a smile.”

Does the group plan to reunite?

Given the joy the group has brought to those around them, it’s no surprise that fans are eager for a Spice Girls reunion. Earlier this year, it seemed likely. At this point, however, they abandoned their plans.

“Geri had a lot to deal with after all the drama with her husband’s relationship with his assistant,” a source said, according to Marie Claire. “It was a pretty rough time – and he just lost patience with Mel (B) and her little digs and nagging.”

At this point, Halliwell has no intention of working with Mel B. Without her, the potential reunion tour fell through.