Richard Johnson

Richard Johnson

Bigwigs will pack Mandela’s funeral

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Published Dec. 9, 2013, 5:32 p.m. ET
Expect appearances from many boldface names — including ex-wife Winnie Mandela, former president Bill Clinton and Bono — at the massive funeral for South African icon Nelson Mandela.
Expect appearances from many boldface names — including, of course, ex-wife Winnie Mandela, former president Bill Clinton and Bono — at the massive funeral for South African icon Nelson Mandela. Barcroft/AP/FilmMagic

The eyes of the world will be on the guests at Nelson Mandela’s funeral, and no doubt several bigwigs will be elbowing each other for attention.

Don’t expect Oprah, Bono, Raul Castro or Mandela’s ex-wife Winnie to hide from the cameras. And don’t be surprised if Bill Clinton sheds a tear or bites his quivering lip.

This is the most high-profile ceremony for a world leader in ages and the United States is right to send four presidents.

Quite a difference from April’s funeral for British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, when President Obama sent only two former secretaries of state, George Shultz and James A. Baker III, to lead the American delegation.