Elton John's “Candle in the Wind 1997” topped the UK singles chart for five consecutive weeks.
John recorded the rewritten version after the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in August 1997. Bernie Taupin adapted the lyrics from the original 1973 song, changing its subject from Marilyn Monroe to Diana and making the performance a public tribute.
The single entered the UK chart at number one and remained there for five weeks. It became one of the best-selling singles in chart history and was certified nine-times platinum in the United Kingdom.
The song's chart run is often confused with its enormous total sales or with its performance in other countries. Its five-week UK reign is a specific chart statistic; worldwide, the recording achieved number one in many markets and became Elton John's signature charity release.