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Elton John paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, telling a Toronto audience that he was “extremely sad” about her death. He paid respect to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday at the age of 96 in her official residence in Scotland
“She led the country through some of its finest and saddest crises with elegance and dignity and a genuine caring warmth,” John told the audience, adding, “I’m 75. She’s been with me my entire life, and I’m extremely sad that she won’t be with me anymore.”
The late monarch knighted the British musician in 1998 for his contributions to music.
According to TIME, John’s friendship with the royals began in the 1970s, when the late Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth’s sister, invited him to dinner at Kensington Palace. John attended both Prince William and Prince Harry’s weddings.
Many people paid their respects to the queen, including celebrities, politicians, and foreign leaders.
“God bless Queen Elizabeth II / May she rest in peace / Long live The King,” wrote Sir Paul McCartney, who has been vocal about his admiration for the queen. Britain’s new prime minister, Liz Truss, said, “She has been a personal inspiration to many Britons and to me,” adding, “Her devotion to duty is an example to us all.”
The queen, according to President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, was “more than a monarch.”
“She defined an era,” they went on to say. “She was a steadying presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons, including many who had never known their nation without her.”
King Charles III, the queen’s son, issued his first message to the British people on Friday, “citing his feelings of tremendous sadness” and promising “lifelong service” based on “loyalty, respect, and love.”
“To my lovely mama, as you embark on your final big journey to join my loving late papa, I simply want to say this: Thank you,” the king said. “Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of countries you have served so faithfully all these years.” “May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”.”
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