Prince William and Princess Kate's pal hired for Jeff Bezos' wedding

Prince William and Princess Kate's close friend, who was their Royal wedding singer at their nuptials in 2011, was also hired by Jeff Bezos to perform at his wedding in Venice. When Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez celebrated their wedding on June 27, they shared this unexpected connection.

Singer, Ellie Goulding, performed her rendition of Elton John's 'Your Song' at the couple's reception on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore last month. Hired by William and Kate, she previously sang the same version for William and Kate's first dance at their second wedding reception in Buckingham Palace's Throne Room on April 29, 2011. Elton John, who first composed the song, was a close friend of William's mother, Princess Diana and he also performed at the late Princess of Wales's funeral in September 1997.

At the Bezos-Sánchez reception, Ellie's performance was part of a star-studded musical lineup. Matteo Bocelli, son of opera singer Andrea Bocelli, sang Elvis Presley's 'Can't Help Falling in Love'.

A few A-listers who were in attendance included Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Orlando Bloom, members of the Kardashian family, and Usher.

To the Venice wedding, Ellie wore a custom gown by The OWN Studio, covered in burgundy sequins with a deep neckline. She carried a matching plum-coloured clutch bag and folded red fan amid the balmy temperatures.

Ellie has previously reflected on her performance at the royal wedding. She said: "Performing the first dance of the night, 'Your Song' was nerve-wracking. But William and Kate were very appreciative. They are an awesome couple and told me how much they enjoyed it. My band and I stayed at the reception all night, and it's something I'll treasure forever."

She further recalled: "I knew they liked my songs, but I didn't walk away from meeting William thinking it might lead to a gig at Buckingham Palace."

The popstar's band then performed several more songs, including a cover version of 'Mr. Brightside by The Killers, another one of William and Kate's favorites, according to royal biographer Robert Jobson's book 'Catherine, the Princess of Wales.'

Ellie's connection to the royals continued beyond their wedding. She reunited with William and Kate in December 2022, performing at the prince's Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony in Boston.