Sir Elton John has praised the multicultural nature of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding, describing the event as historic.
The musician, who was not only a guest at the royal nuptials but performed at the wedding reception, said it “felt like progress had been made”.
Interviewed by CNN after launching a major HIV project with Harry at an Aids conference in Amsterdam, he said: “It was very, very wonderful to be there.
“To have a black gospel 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.”
Leading cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason performed at the wedding, while the Kingdom Choir sang Stand By Me and Bishop Michael Curry, the first African-American leader of the US Episcopal Church, gave an impassioned sermon.
The wedding was widely praised for mixing tradition with modernity and diversity, reflecting modern Britain.
Sir Elton added: “I think the Queen had a lot to do with it. I think she’s been magnificent. It was a wonderful thing to be at.
“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.
“And it shows that institutions like the monarchy can evolve with the times.”
Asked whether it was historic, Sir Elton replied: “Oh absolutely. Are you kidding me? Yes, of course.”