Elton John Serenades Royal Newlyweds At The Wedding Reception
Sir Elton John is officially a royal wedding singer!
On Saturday, May 19, 2018, the pop music icon performed at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's luncheon reception, Kensington Palace confirmed in a statement. The celebratory event was hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at St. George's Hall in Windsor Castle.
According to the palace, the 71-year-old singer-songwriter, who was one of the royal couple's 600 guests at their gorgeous ceremony, was asked to perform "for the newly married couple in recognition of the close connection he has with Prince Harry and his family."
At the time of this writing, it is unknown what songs John had chosen to perform at the special occasion. However, a source recently told Entertainment Tonight that he reportedly planned to honor his old friend — and the prince's late mother — Princess Diana.
"It is no surprise that Elton has been included in Prince Harry's wedding. As one of Diana's closest confidantes, Elton is a connection to Harry's mother and a very supportive friend," the insider said of the "Candle in the Wind" singer. "He plans to sing and there's also been talk of some type of tribute to Diana, one in which Elton will speak at the wedding and say how much she is missed on this very special day. [Elton] has remained very close to her sons."
After performing at the coveted gig, John celebrated the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's nuptials on Twitter with a Maya Angelou quote. "Love recognizes no barriers," it read, captioning a sweet photo of the married pair's first kiss. "It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination, full of hope."
As Nicki Swift previously reported, Prince Harry, 33, and Markle, 36, tied the knot this weekend at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. "You look amazing. Absolutely gorgeous," the prince told his bride after she walked down the aisle in her beautiful Givenchy gown, which she paired with Queen Mary's diamond bandeau tiara. "I'm so lucky."
The newlyweds, who have been together since the fall of 2016, announced their engagement last November.
Congratulations again to the happy couple!