Sir Elton John sang Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me as the news of Michael Jackson's death emerged during his annual White Tie And Tiaras ball.

Guest: Boris Becker arriving at Elton John's gala

The celebration was interrupted as word of the death spread among the hundreds of guests at the fundraising gala at his home in Old Windsor, Berkshire. Many of the guests left looking tearful or grim-faced, with Justin Timberlake looking as if he had been crying.

Sombre: Liz Hurley at Elton John's Tiaras ball

Claire Danes looked grief-stricken as her boyfriend Hugh Dancy put a comforting hand on her lap as they were driven away early.

Shocked: Ronnie Wood and Ekaterina leaving at 2am

Other guests at the bash included Liz Hurley and husband Arun Nayar, Lily Allen, Ronnie Wood and girlfriend Ekaterina Ivanova, Hugh Grant and Boris Becker. Also among the star-studded crowd were Rachel Stevens, Geri Halliwell, Kelly Osborne, Natalie Imbruglia, Matt Lucas, David Walliams, Kate Beckinsale, Tracey Emin and Lisa Snowdon.

Today music promoter Harvey Goldsmith, who worked with Jackson on his last British tour in 1997, called him “one of the great showmen of all time”.
He said: “He was an extraordinary character, unique. He worked very hard and really wanted to be loved.

“Maybe he had a different side to his life that none of us really understands. But I think people will hopefully remember him for his incredible performances.”