Photo: Neil Hall/Abaca/Sipa/AP; Inset: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
Elton Johnwas proud to be part ofPrince HarryandMeghan Markle‘s wedding day, which he feels marked a historic moment for Britain.
After joining Harry at the2018 International AIDS Conference in Amsterdam on Tuesday, John spoke toCNNabout how the May nuptials showed the evolution within the monarchy.
“It was very, very wonderful to be there,” John said. “To have a blackgospel choir, a multiracial bride, a black cellist, who was wonderful, a preacher — it felt like a party, and it felt like progress had been made. Thank God, thank God.”
He added, “To be at the first multiracial royal wedding in Britain — amazing.”
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John also reflected on the significant changes in the royal family just in recent decades, citingPrincess Margaret‘s forbidden relationship with Group Captain Peter Townsend, which has been reenacted on Netflix’sThe Crown.
“You go back and watchThe Crownand things like that, and in the 1950s Princess Margaret wasn’t allowed to get married because [Townsend] was divorced. Look how far we have come in that respect,” he said.
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Robin Utrecht/REX/Shutterstock
Years ago, Harry marrying Meghan would have been unheard of for a variety of reasons: she’s biracial, divorced, an actress and American. As fans ofThe Crownknow well,King Edward VIIIgave up the throne after less than a year because his family (and Parliament) wouldn’t accept AmericanWallis Simpson, the woman he loved (and a two-time divorcée), as Queen.
In the musician’s eyes,Queen Elizabethis largely to thank for the shift in acceptance.
“I think the Queen had a lot to do with it. I think she’s been magnificent,” John said. “It was a wonderful thing to be at.”
Meghan Markle and Queen Elizabeth in 2018.Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Harry askedJohnto perform at the reception himself, in recognition of the superstar’s personal connection to his family. John was close friends with Harry’s late mother,Princess Diana, and famously performed a rendition of his song “Candle In the Wind” at her funeral in 1997.
RELATED VIDEO:Prince Harryand Longtime Friend Elton John Join Forces in the Fight Against AIDS
John’s husband David Furnish told CNN that love was at the center of the celebration.
“What was so inspiring, and it sounds corny, but, true love is what really shone through and that’s what everybody felt, the sincerity and the integrity of that true love on the day,” he said. “And it shows that institutions like the monarchy can evolve with the times.”
source: people.com
