On September 6, 1997, Britain mourned. Silence filled the streets, Westminster Abbey was draped in black, and the world bid farewell to Princess Diana. Amidst this atmosphere of sorrow, Elton John, his voice heavy with emotion, sang:
“Goodbye England’s rose, may you ever grow in our hearts.”
“Candle in the Wind 1997,” a reimagined version of his 1973 hit, became his final tribute to Lady D. It was the only time he performed it live, yet the single sold 33 million copies, earning a Guinness World Record as the best-selling single of all time.
Elton John’s Relationship with the Royal Family
Though his friendship with Diana is the most well-known, Elton John’s ties to the British royal family go back decades.
- In the 1970s, Princess Margaret—Queen Elizabeth II’s sister—became enchanted by his music and invited him to dinner at Kensington Palace.
- Prince Philip playfully teased him about painting his Aston Martin in the colors of his favorite football team, Watford FC.
- The Queen Mother frequently visited his home in Windsor for dinner and dancing.
- At Prince Andrew’s 21st birthday, Queen Elizabeth II famously danced with Elton John to “Rock Around the Clock”, a moment he later called “surreal.”
A Strong Bond with Princess Diana
Their friendship began in 1981 at a royal ball at Windsor Castle.
“We clicked instantly,” Elton recalled. That night, they chatted endlessly and danced the Charleston to disco music.
“She was amazing company. She knew all the gossip!” he revealed, emphasizing Diana’s unique ability to make people feel at ease.
However, their friendship was tested when Diana withdrew a foreword she had written for Gianni Versace’s book, fearing it might upset the royal family. This led to a temporary falling out, but Versace’s murder in July 1997 brought them back together.
Tragically, the fashion designer’s funeral in July 1997 was the last time they saw each other. Just weeks later, Diana lost her life in Paris.
His Connection to Diana’s Sons
Despite Diana’s passing, Elton remained close to Prince William and Prince Harry.
- In 2011, he attended William and Kate Middleton’s wedding.
- In 2018, at Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding, he performed four songs during the reception.
- According to royal biographer Tina Brown, Elton helped Harry and Meghan secure their $100 million deal with Netflix through his industry connections.
When Elton retired from touring in 2023, Harry and Meghan sent him a heartfelt message:
“Thank you for being that friend to our mom. Thank you for being our friend, for being a friend to our children, and for bringing joy to people worldwide. We love you.”
A Friend to Royalty, A Friend to History
Through the decades, Elton John became a part of British royal history. From Queen Elizabeth II to the new generation of Windsors, his bond with the palace remained unbreakable.
And if one quote could define his legacy, it would be Prince Harry’s words:
“Thank you for being that friend.”
