Quips from the groom ... and hits from Elton

GUESTS shed tears as Sir Elton John serenaded Harry and Meghan’s reception 21 years after singing at Princess Diana’s funeral.

The star performed a poignant medley of his hits after master of ceremonies Prince William asked the 600- strong gathering: ‘Can anyone play the piano?’

The afternoon reception, at St George’s Hall state room in Windsor Castle, heard an emotional address by Prince Charles.

And Prince Harry had the exclusive crowd in stitches as he jokingly promised that the American guests would not steal any swords from the castle. The bride also addressed the guests to thank them for attending their big day.

About a third of the wedding service congregation was invited to the lunchtime celebration, hosted by the Queen.

Prince Charles opened his heart about how moving it was to watch his little boy get married, finishing by saying: ‘My darling old Harry, I’m so happy for you.’

His warm words left many guests with tears in their eyes. One said: ‘Charles spoke about feeding Harry a bottle and changing his nappy, and then said, “Look how well he turned out”.’

Another guest, Peter Fearnhead, co-founder of the conservation organisation African Parks, said: ‘Prince Charles made a really gracious speech, it was amazingly endearing. He’s got a wonderfully dry sense of humour.’

The newlyweds shared tears, laughter and a passionate kiss in front of their VIP guests including George and Amal Clooney, David and Victoria Beckham, Idris Elba, Oprah Winfrey and Tom Hardy.

The groom’s speech, in which he praised Meghan, was described as charming and very funny by those in the room.

One guest said: ‘The speech was very off-the-cuff.

‘Harry promised that all the Americans wouldn’t steal the swords, and said, “Please, when you leave, be quiet as you don’t want to wake the neighbours,” which was quite fun.

‘It did feel we were really part of their very special occasion, which was great. He also got a lot of cheers when he said, “My wife and I”.’ Prince William – who saved his ‘naughty’ best man’s speech for the evening do – acted as a compere at the afternoon reception, introducing first Charles, then Harry, then Meghan.

And then he put out his plea for anyone who could play the piano – and Sir Elton, 71, stepped forward. In 1997, the musician touched millions of hearts when he sang his rewritten version of Candle In The Wind at Princess Diana’s funeral.

His flawless performance at the wedding reception evoked memories of that day, with many guests moved to tears as he serenaded the newlyweds with his romantic ballad Your Song.

The superstar – a close friend of Diana’s – went on to play his hit Circle of Life from Harry’s favourite Disney film The Lion King. One of the couple’s first dates was to see The Lion King musical in London’s West End.

Then he performed Tiny Dancer before belting out his feel-good chart-topper I’m Still Standing.

One guest said: ‘Elton was incredible, a treat for everyone and extremely romantic.’