Elton John to Make Diana Charity Record

Elton John's version of Candle In The Wind, rewritten for Diana's funeral, is set to become the biggest selling single in history.

According to music industry insiders in the UK, the charity record is certain to become the Christmas number one, beating The Spice Girls and Oasis to the top of the British record charts.

Elton, 50, has confirmed he will record a piano and vocal version of his 1974 hit beginning "Goodbye England's rose.." after performing at Westminster Abbey.

The original song was written by Elton John and his lyricist Bernie Taupin about the life and death of fifties icon Marilyn Monroe, and has been sung by some of the mourners outside Kensington Palace during the last few days.

Candle In the Wind will be released later this month and all profits will go towards the Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Fund.

A spokesman for the British record shop chain HMV said "The emotional power of the record is huge and I think it will dwarf the other singles this Christmas. People will see it as their way of relating to Princess Diana".

"Everyone will buy a copy. The sales will go through the stratosphere and it will be the biggest selling of all time," said a spokesman for Music Week magazine.

Elton John will go from singing at the funeral at Westminster Abbey direct to a studio where he will record a simple piano and vocal version with specially amended lyrics.