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Mandela's health; the latest on the former South African leader
Nelson Mandela remains in critical condition in a Pretoria hospital this morning.
The archbishop of Cape Town prayed with 94-year-old anti-apartheid leader’s family on Tuesday, calling for a "peaceful, perfect end." The family is said to be meeting to discuss the situation.
CNN's Robyn Curnow is live over the phone in Pretoria following his condition and the state of the nation.
The front page of a leading newspaper there reads “The Final Struggle” in the headline, Curnow reports.
“There really does seem to be quite a somber atmosphere here, as people try to come to grips with the fact that he might not be here for very much longer.”
Mandela’s condition downgraded to critical
CNN is following the latest in South Africa now, where Nelson Mandela's condition appears to be deteriorating.
Officials there announced that the 94-year-old former president and anti-apartheid leader has been downgraded from serious to critical condition as he battles a lung infection.
Robyn Curnow is reporting live this morning in Pretoria.
Mandela’s family is taking every day one at a time as he gets treated in the intensive care unit of a South African hospital, Curnow reports. His daughter Maki says she just wants him to be comfortable, and believes her father “is at peace with himself” for all he's given to the world.
But the media attention is disturbing them. “While he is at peace, they say they are angry, uncomfortable with the intense media interest.”
Maki asks for space for the family whether it's her father's last moments with them or not.
“For them Mandela is not the global icon," Curnow says. "He's a father, a grandfather, who they don't want to share with the world at this critical time…So they wait and hope.”
Obama to deliver speech at Brandenburg Gate in Berlin – Brianna Keilar has the latest
This morning President Obama is in Germany, where he'll make a speech at the Brandenburg Gate.
The president spent the last two days involved in high-level diplomacy with world leaders at the G-8 Summit in Ireland.
Brianna Keilar is in Berlin with details.
Uncertainty as Afghan forces officially take over national security – Reza Sayah reports
In Afghanistan today, a deadly bombing is marring what's supposed to be a major milestone.
Afghan forces are officially taking over the lead for security nationwide. But it comes the same day as a suicide attack in the capital, apparently targeting a member of parliament.
Three people were killed, 21 injured. The politician escaped unhurt.
CNN's Reza Sayah is in Kabul with the latest.
Did Putin steal Super Bowl ring? – Alina Cho reports
Did Russian President Vladimir Putin steal a Super Bowl ring from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft?
Kraft says yes, but an aide to Putin says he witnessed Kraft give the ring as a gift. Alina Cho has more on the story.
Police move into Istanbul's Taksim Square in day 12 of protests – Nick Paton Walsh reports
CNN is reporting breaking news from Turkey this morning.
Police in riot gear have moved into Istanbul's Taksim Square where they have been facing off with protesters using tear gas and water cannons. Turkey's Prime Minister spoke with lawmakers about the situation just moments ago and plans to meet with protest organizers tomorrow.
CNN's Nick Paton Walsh is live with the latest on the riots and discontent in Istanbul.
Fierce battle at Kabul airport – The Times of London reporter Jeremy Kelly reports
CNN is reporting breaking news from Afghanistan this morning.
A battle erupted between Taliban fighters and Afghan security forces near the airport in Kabul overnight. The Taliban is claiming the attack was intended to target Americans.
The Times of London reporter Jeremy Kelly delivers the latest live from Kabul. Kelly says this attack does not indicate an increase in attacks on Americans as the U.S. prepares to pull out from Afhanistan. "This has been a continuation of a Taliban tactic for some time now, where they are preferring to target Afghan security forces," he says. "They're perceived as a softer target and easier to attack."
Queen Elizabeth's 91-year-old husband to undergo surgery – CNN's Max Foster reports
Prince Philip, husband of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, is expected to undergo "an exploratory" abdominal surgery Friday at a London hospital, a Buckingham Palace spokesman said.
The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to the hospital Thursday and is expected to stay there for up to two weeks, according to the palace statement.
He is being treated "following abdominal investigations."
The surgery will likely take place Friday unless the medical advice changes, the palace spokesman said.
The 91-year-old is set to celebrate his birthday Monday.
READ MORE: UK's Prince Philip to undergo 'exploratory' surgery
Russian president Vladimir Putin & wife announce divorce – Phil Black reports
Vladimir Putin's nearly 30-year marriage has ended in divorce, the Russian president and his ex-wife told state-run television in a joint interview.
"This was our joint decision. Our marriage is over," Putin told Russia 24, standing next to Lyudmila Putin, in an interview shown Thursday. "We almost don't see each other. We have different lives."
Lyudmila Putin said the two shared a love for their two adult children, but hinted life in the public eye took a toll.
"I don't like to be in public, and it's hard to take (airplane) flights," she said. "We love our children a lot, we are proud of them and see them all the time."
READ MORE: Putin announces divorce: 'We have different lives'
Queen Elizabeth celebrates 60 years on the throne- Max Foster reports
The United Kingdom celebrates 60 years of Queen Elizabeth's reign today. Max Foster has more on the occasion.
In 1953, 27-year-old Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in Westminster Abbey in a ceremony “steeped in tradition and religious symbolism,” Foster reports. “The first coronation held in the exact same spot was for William the Conqueror in 1066.”
The Queen returns to the Abbey today, marking the 60th anniversary of her reign in a low-key affair with close family and special guests.
Queen Elizabeth’s grandson Peter Phillips calls the occasion “a moment of great pride.” Phillips says, “There’s also the pride of being able to show our support as grandchildren and as children, to ensure she’s got a very supportive family around her.”
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