Elton John shares moving tribute to Queen Elizabeth II with stunning rendition of 'Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me'

Sir Elton John remembered Queen Elizabeth II with a heartfelt tribute during his show in Toronto on Thursday evening following the news of the monarch's death at the age of 96.

Always a man who can capture the mood of a moment, the Rocket Man spoke to the audience as he reflected on Her Majesty with a touching speech and stunning performance of 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me.'

"Today we had the saddest news about the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth," he said.

"She was an inspiring presence to be around — I’ve been around her and she was fantastic. She led the country through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace, decency and a genuine care and warmth.

"I'm 75 - she's been with me all my life and I feel very sad that she won't be with me anymore," the legendary musician continued, as images of the Queen were projected onto the screens above him.

"But I'm glad she's at peace, and I'm glad she's at rest, and she deserves it because she's worked bloody hard."

He expressed condolences for the royal family and finished his message with a word on Elizabeth's impact.

"I send my love to her family and her loved ones. And she will be missed, but her spirit lives on and we celebrate her life tonight with music, OK?" John concluded, before launching into his 1974 hit.

John was knighted by the Queen in 1998 for his work in music and philanthropy across the decades.