Prince and Princess of Wales pay tribute to Bonnie Tyler
Senior British royals remembered singer Bonnie Tyler as a proud Welsh icon after her unexpected passing
The Prince and Princess of Wales paid tribute to singer Bonnie Tyler on Thursday, describing her as a proud Welsh icon following her death at the age of 75. The internationally acclaimed musician passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday night at a hospital in Portugal, where she was receiving medical treatment near her home in Faro. Her death occurred months after she underwent emergency intestinal surgery, which required treatment in intensive care and an induced coma.
An official statement published on the joint Kensington Palace social media account of Prince William and Catherine expressed deep sadness over the loss. The royal couple stated that the extraordinary voice and unforgettable music of the proud Welsh icon touched millions of people globally and would continue to inspire future generations.
The royal statement concluded with messages of sympathy for her husband, family, and friends, alongside a traditional Welsh phrase thanking the artist for the music. The connection between the singer and the royals extended to 2023, when Prince William made her a Member of the Order of the British Empire at Windsor Castle for her music services.
A separate announcement on the official website of the singer, whose real name was Gaynor Hopkins, confirmed that her family and team were heartbroken by the unexpected loss. The news caused the website to crash as fans and prominent public figures across the globe sought to read the official updates.
Political leaders and major figures from the entertainment industry shared their condolences throughout the day. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the vocalist as one of the greatest recording artists in Britain, noting that her catalogue of music continued to touch lives. Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth stated that Wales had lost a true icon, while actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, who married the cousin of the singer, described her as a one-of-a-kind artist.
Performers Sir Cliff Richard, Sir Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams, and broadcaster Carol Vorderman also shared personal tributes. The musician, who achieved global fame in the 1980s with chart-topping hits and represented the UK in the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest, had been scheduled to perform at multiple European dates and festivals later this year.