Prince Harry delivers touching thank you to Elton John for being a friend to Princess Diana

As singing legend Sir Elton John took to the stage for his final US concert, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle delivered a touching message in which Harry thanked the performer for being a friend to his late mother, Princess Diana.

Elton was close friends with Diana after the pair met at a birthday celebration, their shared commitment to charitable endeavors and raising AIDS awareness brought them closer together.

The music icon also performed at Diana’s funeral with an adaptation of Candle In The Wind to honour his late friend.

Elton is currently embarking on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour and as he bid a fond farewell to his US fans, celebrities and high-profile figures alike came together to wish the I’m Still Standing hitmaker all the best.

Prince Harry and Meghan joined the likes of David Beckham and US President Joe Biden in congratulating the 75-year-old on his impressive career with Harry delivering a personal touch by thanking the singer for his friendship and for the relationship he shared with his late mother.

“We just wanted to say congratulations and that we are just so proud of you. We are so grateful that we were able to see you on your farewell tour also,” Meghan began the recorded message.

Harry then jumped in to express his gratitude to Elton for “entertaining everybody for so many decades”.

“Thank you for being the friend that you were to my mum. Thank you for being our friend and thank you for being [a friend] to our kids and thank you for entertaining people right around the world,” he said.

“Even though this is officially your retirement, this will not be your last gig, we know that, but we love you, and congratulations on an incredible career.”

Elton’s die-hard Australian fans will get the chance to bid their own farewell to the singing legend when he makes the trip Down Under in January 2023 for four encore shows before hanging up his microphone.

In an announcement to social media on Wednesday, July 20, the Tiny Dancer singer delighted fans with news of his return to Australia and New Zealand.

“In 2020 I promised that when I came back to finish my interrupted farewell, I’d perform some encore shows. I love your part of the world dearly and cannot wait to share these concerts with you!” he captioned the video.

“Hello Australia, Kia Ora New Zealand! I am so excited to share my very last Yellow Brick Road Farewell tours with you in January 2023. I cannot believe it will be three whole years since I last visited,” Elton told fans in his video.

“A huge thank you to Auckland for keeping their tickets to the rescheduled shows for so long. I promised back in 2020 that when we returned we would take the opportunity to play a few encore shows.

“I know the last tickets sold fast and I wanted to be able to say farewell to you all. And Newcastle, I’m finally coming your way for my first Newcastle show ever!

“Join me for a night of memories, singalongs, and a fond farewell.”