02 February 2024 , 17:03
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Fans of Sir Elton John noticed he was sporting a potential injury when he arrived to attend the funeral of Derek Draper on Friday.
The 76-year-old music icon was among mourners attending a service in celebration of Derek’s life after the former political lobbyist passed away last month at the age of 56 and after a gruelling four year battle with Covid. Sir Elton also performed at the service, singing his 1969 song Skyline Pigeon towards the end of the service.
The star arrived at St Mary the Virgin Church in London alongside his 61-year-old husband Davi Furnish. Fans noticed the singer was wearing a shoe with support on one foot, and also walked with the aid of a walking stick as he made his way into the church.
He joined Good Morning Britain host Kate Garrawy and her children, Darcey, 17, and William, 14, as the family prepared to say goodbye to Derek. A host of other names from the world of entertainment and politics attended the service - including former Prime Minister Tony Blair and ITV stars Richard Madeley, Adil Ray and Ranvir Singh.
Sir Elton also walked with the support of a stick (PA)
Derek leaves behind wife Kate Garraway and their two children (James Gourley/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)While it is unclear if Sir Elton is battling health issues of his own, he looked downcast as he arrived for the funeral - and did not appear to need support beyond his stick. The Mirror has contacted his representatives for comment.
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Speaking about her friendship with Sir Elton, Kate said previously: "I think Elton has been a huge friend to me. I always feel like it's a bit arrogant to say he's a friend of mine, because... he's Elton! But he's been a massive friend, and he had a friend that was very sick in the US when Derek got sick."
In August last year, Sir Elton was hospitalised after suffering a fall at his home in France. He was checked over by medics and sent home to recover, with a spokesperson saying at the time: “Elton visited the local hospital as a precautionary measure. Following checkups, he was immediately discharged this morning and is now back at home and in good health."
He had previously been forced to postpone concerts in 2021 in order to undergo surgery for a hip injury he sustained after an awkward fall. The singer explained at the time: “Despite intensive physio and specialist treatment, the pain has continued to get worse and is leading to increasing difficulties moving… I have been advised to have an operation as soon as possible to get me back to full fitness and make sure there are no long-term complications."
His road to recovery was painful - as he revealed on ITV’s Lorraine that he struggled to get in and out of cars. He said: "I wouldn't be 100% fit, I wouldn't be 100% confident, because I'm in pain most of the time with my hip.
"I can't move sideways, can't get in and out of a car, and the decision had to be made, because I wouldn't want to go onstage and give less than 100 percent."