Everyone knows that Elton John and Princess Diana were close. In fact, they were the best of friends. Her death affected Elton in an extraordinary way, and he even wrote "Candle in the Wind" about her legacy. Elton knew that Diana was polarizing to some, but to him she was a true friend.
“She was a controversial figure in some respects, but not to me," Elton recalled. "I loved her because she did so much for AIDS, and she was a great friend to me. We had a falling out, but we reconciled in the end. It was an extraordinary summer. Gianni Versace was murdered [on July 15, 1997], and then Diana rang me up and we reconciled. And six weeks later, I’m in the same house, and she’s dead. It was extraordinary, and I just couldn’t believe what was going on.”
Since Diana's death, Elton has taken it upon himself to help protect both Prince William and Prince Harry. He cares deeply for his friend's children, and still keeps in touch with both boys. When Harry and Meghan Markle were engaged, John recalled seeing the youngest Windsor boy and knowing that Meghan was the one.
“Well, I spent some time with him in Sicily last summer, and I could tell that he was totally in love,” Elton shared. “He didn’t really discuss much personally, but he said ‘I’m in love,’ and I thought, good for you.”
Now, the music legend is speaking out after Harry and Meghan were publicly reprimanded for taking a private jet to France, despite both of them being supporters of protecting the environment. Elton admitted that he was the one who sent the private jet, mainly because of the tragedy that happened to Diana.
"I am deeply distressed by today’s distorted and malicious account in the press surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s private stay at my home in Nice last week," he started. "Prince Harry’s Mother, Diana Princess Of Wales was one of my dearest friends. I feel a profound sense of obligation to protect Harry and his family from the unnecessary press intrusion that contributed to Diana’s untimely death."
"After a hectic year continuing their hard work and dedication to charity, David and I wanted the young family to have a private holiday inside the safety and tranquility of our home," he continued. "To maintain a high level of much-needed protection, we provided them with a private jet flight. To support Prince Harry’s commitment to the environment, we ensured their flight was carbon neutral, by making the appropriate contribution to Carbon Footprint™. I highly respect and applaud both Harry and Meghan’s commitment to charity and I’m calling on the press to cease these relentless and untrue assassinations on their character that are spuriously crafted on an almost daily basis."
For Elton to speak out about this matter must mean he is truly concerned about their well-being. Of all the critiques that have come out surrounding Harry and Meghan, this is the one he chose to comment on.
I think his reasoning is absolutely sound. The young family is constantly harassed, and it would be a complete tragedy for them to suffer the same fate as Diana.