Candle in the Wind almost wasn’t played at Princess Diana’s funeral

Newly released records have revealed that Elton John’s Candle in the Wind performance in honor of the late Princess Diana almost didn’t happen. Instead, a different song of his, Your Song, was originally slated to take place. The Dean of Westminster was instrumental in getting the iconic hit played instead. 

• It’s now one of the most celebrated and poignant tributes of all time, but Candle in the Wind almost wasn’t performed at Diana’s funeral
• In the records released by the National Archives, Elton John’s 1970s hit Your Song was written into the order of service instead
• In other royal news, a TikTok showing the Queen’s Guard knocking down a child has divided opinions online

On September 6, 1997, more than 3 million people tuned in to watch Princess Diana’s funeral at Westminster Abbey. Diana’s death shocked people the world all over and many travelled to London to pay their final respects to the Princess of Wales.

Among the many notable figures in attendance was Elton John, who would deliver one of the most moving and memorable performances in history, when he reworked the lyrics to the original 1973 version of Candle in the Wind in honor of Princess Diana.

Whereas the original was a tribute to screen legend Marilyn Monroe, the 1997 version changed the lyrics to serenade “England’s rose.” Released as a single with the global proceeds going towards Diana's charities, the single would go on to become the second highest selling of all time, behind Bing Crosby’s White Christmas.  

However, newly released records have revealed that the performance almost didn’t happen, and that Elton John was originally slated to sing a different song.

The Guardian, citing records released by the National Archives, report that, before the Dean of Westminster’s personal plea, Elton John’s Your Song was written into the order of service.

Urging for a different song choice, the Dean of Westminster is reported to have written, “This is a crucial point in the service and we would urge boldness. It is where the unexpected happens and something of the modern world that the princess represented. I respectfully suggest that anything classical or choral (even a popular classic such as something by Lloyd Webber) is inappropriate.”

The Dean of Westminster goes on to suggest that Candle in The Wind would “be imaginative and generous to the millions who are feeling personally bereaved” adding that “it is popular culture at its best.”