King Charles has strengthened his friendship with Sir Elton John, a development that appears to underscore a widening rift between the monarch and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The relationship between Elton and the Sussexes has reportedly cooled, with the singer now aligning himself publicly with the King.
Friendship with Sussexes Reportedly Cooling
According to a source quoted by Women's Day, Elton's bond with Harry has deteriorated. The source said: "Elton's relationship with Harry was always out of loyalty to Diana, but it's no secret things have gone south since Harry apparently asked him to help foot their legal bill – and sponsor Invictus – last July."
The source added: "While Harry and Elton's legal alliance continues, the personal closeness is diminished. Elton's public schedule has featured Charles-linked charity events with no signs of another holiday to the South of France with Harry and Meghan. Those days are over."
Elton's Public Support for the King
Elton has demonstrated his closeness to Charles by attending a music event at Battersea Power Station with the monarch and inviting him onto his Apple Music podcast, Elton John's Rocket Hour. The pair recorded an hour-long special, with Elton expressing excitement about the conversation.
In a clip from the show, Elton praised the King's Trust, saying: "I never knew that some of these musicians were involved in the Trust, and it's great news to me and it shows all the great ways… it reinforces to me all the great work that you've done all these 50 years, because I had no idea. So bravo!"
King's Trust and Shared Memories
During the podcast, King Charles responded: "It is wonderful to see the difference that can be made through the Trust programs to people's self-confidence and self-belief." Elton agreed, saying: "If you champion someone and you believe in them, it makes all the difference."
Charles added: "Well really what I was trying to do was invest in the future, particularly investing in talent." Elton replied: "Yes, of course, that's the greatest thing you can do. Young people are our future and you're doing a wonderful job."
The Sussexes had fiercely defended the royal pair as recently as 2019, but their friendship has since reportedly cooled. Harry has expressed a desire to repair his relationship with his father, admitting in an interview with GQ that he wants to make amends. Elton's public alignment with Charles signals a definitive shift in his loyalties.
