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Stories

Buckingham Palace Did Not Want Elton John To Sing At Princess Diana’s Funeral

by Lauren Novak

Published December 30, 2021

Elton John almost did not perform at Princess Dianas funeral

The iconic moment when Elton John sang “Candle In The Wind” at Princess Diana’s funeral almost didn’t happen. New government documents from Buckingham Palace show they didn’t want Elton John to sing the song at first. They had a solo saxophonist on standby in case things changed.

Of course, it was good that he did because it was one of the moments everyone remembers from her funeral in September 1997. Reportedly, the royal palace was concerned that the lyrics were “too sentimental” but ultimately allowed him to sing the song.

Related:

  1. Prince Harry Claims Elton John Refused To Sing “Candle In The Wind” On Anniversary Of Princess Diana’s Death
  2. Princess Diana’s Iconic Blue Dress Will Be On Display At Kensington Palace

Buckingham Palace almost stopped Elton John from performing at Princess Diana’s funeral

PRINCESS DIANA, early 1980s
PRINCESS DIANA, early 1980s / Everett Collection

However, the Dean of Westminster fought to get Elton to perform the song because he knew it would touch the millions who watched. He wrote, “I respectfully suggest that anything classical or choral (even a popular classic such as something by Lloyd Webber) is inappropriate. Better would be the enclosed song by Elton John (known to millions and his music was enjoyed by the princess), which would be powerful.”

RELATED: Elton John Says Princess Diana Was Quite Paranoid Before Her Death

INSIDE THE ACTOR'S STUDIO, Elton John, (Season 12), 1994-
INSIDE THE ACTOR’S STUDIO, Elton John, (Season 12), 1994-, photo: Virginia Sherwood / © Bravo / Courtesy: Everett Collection

He added, “He has written new words to the tune which is being widely played and sung throughout the nation in memorial to Diana. It is all the time on the radio. Its use here would be imaginative and generous to the millions who are feeling personally bereaved: it is popular culture at its best.”

BRIAN WILSON: LONG PROMISED ROAD, Sir Elton John, 2021
BRIAN WILSON: LONG PROMISED ROAD, Sir Elton John, 2021. © Screen Media Films /Courtesy Everett Collection

Listen to the song once more below and be sure to grab the tissues first! It was definitely a very emotional moment that we are glad was allowed to happen.

Next up: Dana Plato From ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ Faced Tragedy Before Her Untimely Death At 34

Previous article: Dana Plato From ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ Faced Tragedy Before Her Untimely Death At 34
Next Post: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Son Joseph On Why He Didn’t Take The Famous Schwarzenegger Name

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