Pop star Elton John, one of the biggest names in a star-studded line-up to serenade Queen Elizabeth on her Golden Jubilee, is not quite sure how well even his music will go down with the British monarch.
“She grins and bears it. She’s probably the best in the world at grinning and bearing it on every occasion, whether it’s Maori dancing, pop music or whatever,” he told BBC television on Friday.
The flamboyant rocker, a close personal friend of the late Princess Diana, will appear at the June 3 concert alongside artists ranging from ex-Beatle Paul McCartney to Ozzy Osbourne.
But for the Queen, who will be celebrating 50 years on the throne, it will be more just a case of sitting back and thinking of England.
“I don’t really know what the Queen likes or dislikes, but I know she will be very pleased people from my generation and younger generations will come out there and perform because they want to,” Elton said.
Whatever the monarch’s tastes, she deserves a good party to make up for the recent loss of her mother and her sister Princess Margaret, as well as to recognize the sacrifices she makes for the country, he said.
“The queen is a remarkable person. She very much considers her role as someone who should be a leader, and in the day and age that we live in, to find someone who is prepared to do that, and make great personal sacrifice, is an amazing thing.
“I think, because of the deaths of two major members of the royal family and feeling for the queen at the present time… that it will be a good celebration. I hope so. She deserves it.”