Sir Elton John says he feels 'blessed and lucky' to receive award from Prince Charles
ITV News Correspondent Dan Rivers speaks to Sir Elton John after he's made ORder of the Companions of Honour
Sir Elton John has said music is the "saviour" and "centre" of his life and that he is "very proud" to be British, after receiving an award from Prince Charles.
The singer-songwriter told ITV News he feels "blessed and lucky" to be made Order of the Companions of Honour, in a ceremony at Windsor Castle.
Sir Elton, from Pinner in northwest London, spoke of how proud he is to come from humble roots to achieving global stardom.
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The singer has undergone hip surgery but is “raring to go” and been spurred on to make new music and raise Aids awareness, after receiving a prestigious national award.
The global star walked with the aid of an ornate stick after being made a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour by the Prince of Wales during a Windsor Castle investiture ceremony.
He reflected on a glittering career that has seen him release a hit single in every decade since the 1970s, and notch up worldwide record sales of 300 million.
Sir Elton said: “I’ve had an amazing life, music has been my life, and I got this for music and for work for charity.
“I may not look as if I’m 100% fit – but I’m not quite – but I’m still raring to go and I’ve got a lot more work to do as far as my life goes.
“So this is just a reminder that there’s more to do. More work to do for music, more work to do for charity and life is great – I’m so lucky.”
Sir Elton’s farewell tour has been pushed back and will kick off next year, but he insists he is full of energy despite the operation on his right hip.
He said: “I’ve had a hip replacement but I’m full of beans and I’m full of zest, but this is just a prompter to say ‘come on you’ve got more to do now’.”
He is still passionate about music, describing himself as a “glorified fan who made good”. He began his career in the late 1960s but enjoyed huge success the following decade once he began writing with musical partner Bernie Taupin.
Sir Elton has notched up eight number one UK singles, from his first in 1976, Don’t Go Breaking My Heart with Kiki Dee, and his most resent – and first in 16 years – with Dua Lipa called Cold Heart released a few weeks ago.
The singer-songwriter has continued to work with new talent and has joined forces with Ed Sheeran to create three new Christmas songs, the first of which is being released at the beginning of December and is titled Merry Christmas.
He added: “I used to manage Ed for the first three albums and we’ve always been great friends, we’ve always been close – I give him advice and he gives me advice, it’s just a lovely friendship."