Elton John recently took the stage at the 62nd New York Film Festival for the screening of *Elton John: Never Too Late*, a documentary chronicling his iconic career and final tour. The event, which was filled with stars, became even more entertaining when Elton made a playful jab at Prince Harry that had the crowd laughing.
Known for his sharp wit, the legendary musician didn’t hold back. As he introduced various celebrity guests, he dramatically paused before mentioning Prince Harry’s name, grinning as he quipped, “Lunatics like you’re not allowed.” This humorous remark immediately captured the audience's attention and sent them into fits of laughter.
The evening unfolded as a glamorous celebration of Elton's life, highlighting his remarkable musical journey and cultural impact. While the screening honored the man who has influenced generations of music lovers, it was Elton's playful mockery that added a fun twist to the grand affair.
But why would Elton, known for his close ties to the royal family, poke fun at Prince Harry so publicly? To understand the context, we must look at their long-standing relationship.
Elton has been a close friend of the British royal family for decades. He famously performed at Princess Diana's funeral in 1997, moving the world with a reworked version of his classic hit “Candle in the Wind.” Over the years, he has maintained a special bond with Diana's sons, particularly Prince Harry.
Elton has often been one of Harry's staunchest supporters, especially during the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s tumultuous exit from royal duties in 2019. When the couple faced backlash for flying on a private jet to Elton's home in the south of France, he quickly defended them, clarifying that he had provided the jet out of friendship and concern for their safety.
Given this history, Elton’s lighthearted jab at the festival might have raised some eyebrows initially, but it soon became clear that the teasing came from a place of affection.
During the festival, Elton took the stage in front of a packed house. The night celebrated the release of *Elton John: Never Too Late*, a documentary that captures the essence of his life on the road during his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. True to his larger-than-life persona, Elton added humor to the night.
As he recounted his connections with celebrity guests, the audience held its breath when he reached Prince Harry’s name. With a twinkle in his eye, he delivered his cheeky line, bringing laughter from the crowd. The comment seemed aimed at Harry's recent controversial decisions, from stepping back from royal duties to his media interviews. However, the audience recognized it was all in good fun, and even Prince Harry was seen laughing, proving their easygoing rapport.
Beyond the playful jabs and glitzy appearances, the real star of the night was *Elton John: Never Too Late*, directed by acclaimed filmmaker David Furnish, Elton’s husband. The documentary provides a poignant look at Elton’s extraordinary five-decade career, blending nostalgia with emotional reflection.
It captures the highs and lows of his journey, from struggling musician to global superstar, and candidly explores the challenges he faced with substance abuse. For fans, the film serves as a heartfelt behind-the-scenes look at his final tour, which Elton has promised will be his last. Yet, it goes deeper, examining the emotions tied to closing such a monumental chapter in his life.
The heart of the documentary—and indeed the entire night—lies in Elton's electrifying ability to captivate an audience. The screening was a spectacle in itself. To top it off, Elton treated the audience to a live performance, reminding everyone of the magic he brings to the stage.
He played a medley of his greatest hits, including “Rocket Man” and “Tiny Dancer,” visibly moving the audience. Even Prince Harry couldn't resist swaying to the music. For those who missed the live performance at the festival, the film captures much of that magic, showcasing Elton's connection with his fans in deeply emotional moments.
Elton John is more than a musician; he’s a storyteller. This is evident not only in his impactful lyrics but also in how he engages with those around him. The playful exchange with Prince Harry during the festival exemplifies this. Even in glamorous settings, Elton retains his sense of humor and connection with people.
At 76 years old, he continues to perform with the same energy and passion that made him a global icon. His presence at the New York Film Festival proved that, while his final tour may be wrapping up, he is far from finished making an impact. In fact, Elton's influence on music and pop culture is likely to resonate for generations to come.
The screening of Elton John: Never Too Late at the 62nd New York Film Festival was more than just an evening of music and nostalgia. It celebrated one of the most iconic musicians of our time. While Elton's playful jab at Prince Harry added a humorous twist, it was the music, memories, and magic of his performances that left the audience truly in awe.
As Elton himself said, “It’s never too late to say goodbye.” Yet, as the audience exited the theater, there was a sense of hope that maybe, just maybe, Elton John isn’t quite ready to say goodbye just yet. For those who couldn't attend the screening, Elton John: Never Too Late is set to be widely released, offering fans around the world a chance to experience the brilliance of this living legend one last time.
