Nelson Mandela was hated by many British in the late 80s!

In 1996, Nelson Mandela was paid homage by British ministers, MPs, and peers. In 1987, Margret Thatcher called him a terrorist and most of the country wanted to see him dead. Students petitioned and protested to have him hanged and MPs declared that they wanted him shot.

In 1943, Nelson joined the African National Congress and went on to try to dismantle the apartheid in his home country of South Africa. The ANC wanted to take over and run government in South Africa. For aiding in this effort, Nelson was charged with treason and thrown into jail in the 80s.

Britain did not want South Africa’s government do be overthrown as they were quite pro-Britain, which resulted in bad blood between them and Mandela. Circumstances were made even worse when Mandela refused with meet with Margret Thatcher in the late 80s.

But, only 9 years later, Mandela was successful in his mission and having tea with the queen.

(Source)