Elton John to Attend Royal Wedding, Hopes William ‘Becomes King at an Early Age’

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Musician Elton John and David Furnish attend Time's 100 most influential people in the world gala

Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Time Inc

The Candle in the Wind singer and his partner David Furnish will rub shoulders with the good and the great in Westminster Abbey on April 29.

Speaking to Canadian chat show host Marilyn Denis, John initially denied that he’d received an invite. “As far as I know, I don’t have an invitation.” But when pressed further, he spilled the beans. “Yeah, we do have an invitation. I’ve been trying to be discreet.”

(More on TIME.com: Not invited? Then get your royal wedding fix on the official royal wedding website)

In recent weeks the 63-year old singer—who was one of Princess Diana’s closest friends—has doubted that he’d make the cut. “I think because of my relationship with Princess Diana, people automatically think I’m going to be invited,” John told Reuters, adding that he doesn’t actually know Prince William very well. “I’m not invited to the wedding. I would not expect to be invited to the wedding.”

Now that he has an official invite, though, he’s comfortable sharing his thoughts on the young couple. On the show he seemed to disapprove of William’s decision to give Kate his mother’s sapphire engagement ring. “It is none of my business,” he said when asked, “but I thought it was a little odd.” He also believes that William has “one of the hardest jobs in the world”—and that he’s ready for an even bigger one.  “I hope [William] becomes King at an early age,” John said. “I think we need young people like him to lead. I think he will be a tremendous king – not that Charles won’t, but I think William will be…tremendous.” (via People)

(More on TIME.com: Read TIME’s special coverage of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding)