Elton John’s Revelations: The Unlikely Bond with Princess Diana
The friendship between Elton John and Princess Diana was a captivating blend of warmth, wit, and occasional turbulence, defying expectations and captivating the public. From their first dance in 1981 to the heart-wrenching tribute at Diana’s funeral, their bond was a unique chapter in royal and musical history. Recently, Elton shared lesser-known insights about Diana, revealing facets of her personality that deepen our understanding of the People’s Princess.
An Unexpected Connection
Their story began in 1981 at Prince Andrew’s 21st birthday party at Windsor Castle, where Elton performed alongside percussionist Ray Cooper. Amid a quiet disco, Diana and Elton shared a memorable 20-minute Charleston dance, mocking the ballroom’s lackluster vibe. Elton later wrote in his autobiography that Diana’s “incredible social ease” made everyone feel at home. This instant connection sparked a friendship that endured for over a decade, filled with shared adventures and candid moments.
Elton, already a favorite of the royals since the 1970s, was no stranger to the royal circle. Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother adored his music, with the latter reportedly dancing to his songs. His regular performances at Charles’s Prince’s Trust concerts and art events with the royals set the stage for his bond with Diana. That night in 1981, he even danced with Princess Anne and Queen Elizabeth II to Bill Haley’s Rock Around the Clock, but it was Diana’s charisma that left a lasting impression.
A Friendship of Laughter and Depth
Elton described Diana as “fabulous company,” the ultimate dinner party guest who was “incredibly indiscreet” and loved gossip. Their bond grew through shared moments at events like the 1985 Live Aid concert and a 1997 Prince’s Trust performance. Behind closed doors, their friendship shone brighter. At a dinner party Elton hosted, Diana’s presence captivated guests like Richard Gere and Sylvester Stallone, nearly sparking a feud as the two stars vied for her attention. Elton marveled at her composure, noting how men “lost their composure” around her, not just for her beauty but for an intangible quality that left them spellbound.
Diana’s humanity was her true strength. Elton highlighted her groundbreaking act of holding an AIDS patient’s hand at London’s Middlesex Hospital, a gesture that reshaped public perceptions of the disease. He believed this wasn’t a calculated move but a natural expression of her compassion, cementing her global impact.
A Rift and Reconciliation
Despite their closeness, their friendship faced challenges. In 1997, a misunderstanding over a Rock and Royalty coffee table book, created with Gianni Versace to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation, caused a rift. Diana, initially set to write the foreword, withdrew abruptly, citing concerns about the book’s content upsetting the Queen. Elton, hurt and confused, knew she had approved the book after Versace showed it to her. He confronted her, pointing out the funds her withdrawal cost the foundation. Diana’s formal response, addressing him as “Dear Mr. John,” stung deeply, signaling a “deep freeze” in their relationship, as described by Tina Brown in Vanity Fair.
Both too proud to reconcile immediately, they drifted apart. It wasn’t until Gianni Versace’s tragic murder in July 1997 that they reconnected. Diana, staying on Dodi Fayed’s yacht in Saint-Tropez, called Elton to offer condolences and apologized for their “silly falling out.” They reconciled at Versace’s funeral, where a poignant image captured Diana consoling Elton. They planned a lunch in London to discuss their charities, but tragedy struck on August 31, 1997, when Diana died in a Paris car crash.
A Heartfelt Tribute
Six weeks later, Elton performed Candle in the Wind 1997 at Diana’s funeral, with lyrics rewritten by Bernie Taupin to honor her. The performance, one of the most challenging of his career, was nearly vetoed by the royal family, who deemed it too sentimental. Reverend Dr. Wesley Carr advocated for Elton, arguing the song was a “creative and generous gesture” loved by Diana and her mourners. The performance became an iconic moment, with the single selling over 33 million copies, making it the bestselling chart single ever.
Elton was haunted by the sight of Princes William and Harry, then 15 and 12, walking behind their mother’s coffin. He called it a “cruel” expectation for grieving children. His connection to Diana endures through her sons, whom he has supported publicly, including defending Prince Harry’s privacy in 2019, citing his duty to protect Diana’s family from intrusive press.
Elton John: The Musical Icon
Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex, Elton John’s journey from a council house to global stardom is legendary. A child prodigy, he won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music at 11, mastering complex pieces by ear. His career took off in the 1970s with hits like Your Song and albums like Honky Château. With over 300 million records sold, he’s the most successful solo artist in US Billboard history, earning an EGOT, two Golden Globes, and honors like a knighthood in 1998.
His Elton John AIDS Foundation, inspired partly by Diana’s advocacy, has raised over £300 million since 1992. His 2018–2023 Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour became the highest-grossing ever, and his life was dramatized in the 2019 biopic Rocketman.
A Lasting Legacy
Elton’s recent reflections reveal Diana’s wit, warmth, and ability to connect with anyone, from royalty to everyday people. Their friendship, though tested, was a testament to her magnetic humanity. From dancing the Charleston to reshaping AIDS advocacy, Diana left an indelible mark on Elton and the world. What do you think of their extraordinary bond? Share your thoughts on this remarkable friendship.
