Rod Stewart said the BBC 'made' him sing Sweet Caroline to finish off his Platinum Jubilee set. The gig took place at Buckingham Palace in London this evening on a specially constructed 360 degree stage, and fans were overjoyed to see Rod performing some of his biggest hits - as well as UK anthem Sweet Caroline, as Prince George and Prince William sang along and Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall waved their flags.
Fans noticed the crooner sounded a little off key when he sang the Neil Diamond number but the rocker told the 22,000 strong crowd: "The BBC made me sing this one."
The 77-year-old even asked the crowd - including Prince William and Kate - to "join in, make it comfortable for me" as he launched into the catchy track. Sweet Caroline has become associated with Rangers in recent years after former gaffer Steven Gerrard said in an interview that Alfredo Morelos was dancing to the song after scoring a winner against Livingston.
Nevertheless, the singer still wowed the crowds who were singing along to the tune.
Ahead of the concert, Rod also left a cheeky message for the Queen herself which he shared on Instagram. Jupiter commented: "Rod Stewart 50 years of hits and he is forced to sing sweet Caroline" Phillip posted: "If they wanted #SweetCaroline, why did they ask #RodStewart and not invite #NeilDiamond?"
Susannah said: "Poor Rod. I know Sweet Caroline was to get the crowd going, but he’s got a better back catalogue. Why did he have to sing someone else’s song - a B lister should have done that" Eff said: "Why is #RodStewart doing a cover of #SweetCaroline though? Alphonso posted : "Why was @rodstewart singing Sweet Caroline? Why not Sailing?"
A galaxy of stars including Diana Ross, Queen + Adam Lambert and Andrea Bocelli also appeared at the concert at Buckingham Palace in London. Senior royals including the Prince of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George joined thousands of other spectators at the gig.