Archbishop Desmond Tutu's body lies in state in 'cheapest coffin available'

The coffin carrying the body of Archbishop Desmond Tutu has been returned to a morgue after lying-in-state in St George's Cathedral in Cape Town.

Mourners will be invited to pay their last respects to South Africa's anti-apartheid hero for one more day on Friday before his state funeral on Saturday.

Tutu's body had been lying-in-state in the cathedral where he preached against racial injustice.

© 2021 Gallo Images (PTY) LTD PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 30: Candles and a photo of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu at the special interfaith tribute in honour of his commitment to religious inclusiveness and in celebration of his life at St Albans Cathedral on December 30, 2021 in Pretoria, South Africa. Archbishop Desmond Tutu was a South African Anglican bishop and theologian, known for his work as an anti-apartheid and human rights activist. He died on 26 December 2021. (Photo by Alet Pretorius/Gallo Images via Getty Images)

Hundreds of mourners stood in long queues on Thursday, some singing, others carrying flowers and writing on tribute books in memory of the Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Tutu, who was South Africa's fist black archbishop, requested "no lavish spending" on his funeral and he even "asked that the coffin be the cheapest available", his foundation said.

Emotional family members met the coffin outside the entrance on Thursday, where six black-robed clergy acting as pallbearers carried it inside to an inner sanctuary amid a cloud of incense from the Anglican thurible.

Tutu is widely revered across racial and cultural divides in South Africa for his moral rectitude and principled fight against white-minority rule.

He died aged 90 on Sunday 26 December.

His death represents a huge loss for South Africa, where many called him "Tata" - meaning father.

© Associated Press Two of the anti-apartheid hero's daughters consoled each other outside the cathedral today

Church bells have been rung every day in his honour since his death and tributes and prayers have poured in from around the world.

Tutu won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 in recognition of his non-violent opposition to South Africa's apartheid regime.

A decade later, he witnessed the end of that regime and chaired a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to help unearth state-sponsored atrocities during that era.