The 52-year-old pop star made the plea at his first UK concert since having a heart pacemaker fitted last month.

He told 10,000 fans at Harewood House, near Leeds: "I have got my health and I thank my lucky stars. At the end of each show I try to remember how lucky I am.

Candle In The Wind: Moved the crowd

"It's this weekend two years ago a friend of mine, a friend of ours, was tragically killed."

Sir Elton then played the original Candle In The Wind, written as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, which he rewrote in honour of Diana and sang at her funeral.

The Princess of Wales died on 31 August 1997, in a Paris car crash which also killed her boyfriend, Dodi Fayed, and their driver Henri Paul.

Singing in the rain

Sir Elton received rapturous applause throughout the concert, even though rain began pouring within half an hour.

Thrilled the crowd with a selection of hits

"It would have to rain, but I am not going anywhere," he said from his piano, before leading the crowd in a rendition of Singing In The Rain.

He then joked about his pacemaker, patting his chest and saying: "Me and my mate say hello".

Sir Elton, dressed in a purple suit and wearing red tinted glasses, opened the gig with Crocodile Rock, and then played various hits including My Song, Daniel and Rocket Man.

He told the cheering crowd: "I would like to apologise for messing you around. You are the best fans in the world and I thank you very, very much."

'Fighting fit'

Sir Elton plays again on Monday at Harewood House and at Leeds Castle, Kent on 4, 5 and 6 September.

He had cancelled the shows and an appearance at Spice Girl Victoria Adams's wedding to footballer David Beckham when he fell ill.

It was initially thought to be an ear infection, but he was later diagnosed as having an irregular heartbeat, and had a pacemaker fitted at a London hospital.