Ali Condon
Sir Elton John has posted a sweet tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, looking back on the 'joyous' moment he danced with her at Windsor Castle.
The 'Tiny Dancer' singer had met the late monarch early on in his spectacular career and went on to play at three of her jubilees over the years.
Following the Queen's state funeral on Monday, Elton John took to social media to remember Her Majesty and his long-spanning friendship with her.
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The 'Rocket Man' singer shared two photos of himself with the Queen - one from 1977 and another from 2012.
Despite the decades between each photo, both show Her Majesty smiling warmly at Elton.
He captioned the Instagram post: "Today I'll be joining the rest of the world in remembering Her Majesty The Queen.
"My own memories of her are filled with joy and admiration. The Queen honoured me with a CBE, a knighthood and the Companion of Honour.
"I was lucky enough to perform at three of her Jubilees. They were always joyous and humbling experiences.
"But it was the moments out of the public eye that I will most fondly remember her for; dancing together to ‘Rock Around the Clock’ at Windsor Castle or experiencing her great wit, warmth and humour first hand. She served with grace and dedication, and she will be sorely missed."
The singer was made CBE back in 1995 before being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998.
In 2020, Elton was appointed a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour for his services to music and to charity.
When news first broke of the Queen's passing, Elton was playing a concert in Toronto, Canada as part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.
Speaking to the crowd that night, Elton said: "She was an inspiring presence to be around - I’ve been around her and she was fantastic.
"She led the country through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace, decency and a genuine care and warmth."
Before dedicating a performance of 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me' to the Queen, he continued: "I send my love to her family and her loved ones. She will be missed, but her spirit lives on and we celebrate her life tonight with music - OK?"
Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral was held on Monday 19 September at Westminster Abbey.
The ceremony was attended by 2,000 guests including the Royal Family, world leaders, and past prime ministers, and was viewed by an estimated four billion people worldwide.
Following the funeral, the Queen's coffin was lowered into the royal Vault and a private burial was held in the King George VI Memorial Chapel.
A period of royal mourning will continue for seven days after the funeral.