Sir Elton John is to be formally awarded with a prestigious honour which will recognise his glittering career in music as well as his campaigning work on Aids.
The iconic musician will be made a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour by the Prince of Wales during a Windsor Castle investiture ceremony.
The 74-year-old singer-songwriter was knighted in 1998 for his services to music and charity and has sold over 300 million records worldwide during his illustrious pop career spanning more than five decades.
With an array of hits over the years, including chart-toppers Rocket Man, I'm Still Standing and Candle in the Wind, Sir Elton bagged yet another number one last month.
The singing sensation notched up his first UK number one single in 16 years as the single Cold Heart in which he collaborated with Dua Lipa reached top spot.
As well as his brilliance in the music industry, Sir Elton has also dedicated much of his life to charity, including his Elton John Aids Foundation.
He has been lobbying for action on HIV/Aids - which still claims hundreds of thousands of lives a year - and encouraging people to get tested for decades.
The Order of the Companions of Honour was established in 1917 by George V in recognition of service of national importance.
It is sometimes regarded as the junior honour to the Order of Merit and it is made up of the sovereign, plus no more than 65 members, who may use the letters CH after their names.
Sir Elton joins an illustrious list of recipients who include broadcaster Sir David Attenborough actress Dame Judi Dench, former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney and cook Delia Smith.
Earlier this month it was also reported that Sir Elton has formed a close bond with Ant McPartlin and is helping him leave his former drink and drug addictions firmly in the past.
A source close to Sir Elton said that he regularly calls the Geordie presenter to give him "fatherly advice".
They said: "He’s been very supportive of Ant and given advice on dealing with addiction.
"Obviously Elton has been sober for many years now and is a lot older than Ant so can offer fatherly advice and knows how tough it can be to kick the habit."
