Sir Elton John has been presented with a medal by the US president for his work to end Aids and help those living with the condition.

Joe Biden and First Lady, Dr Jill Biden, surprised a "flabbergasted" Sir Elton with the National Humanities Medal following a special performance he gave on the White House lawn last night.

The event, A Night When Hope and History Rhyme, saw an audience of around 2,000 people that included teachers, students, nurses, LGBTQ+ advocates, military families and mental health advocates assemble on the South Lawn to watch the multiple-Grammy award winning artist.

Organised by the History Channel and A+E Networks, Sir Elton performed several of his smash hits, including Tiny Dancer, Rocketman and Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, before the medal ceremony recognising his charitable and selfless work through the Elton John Aids Foundation.

In accepting the award, Sir Elton, 75, said he felt honoured and emotional by the recognition.

The singer, who returned to Vicarage Road stadium in Watford this year as part of his farewell tour, said: “Since I founded the foundation at my kitchen table in Atlanta 30 years ago, I made a commitment not to leave anyone behind and will continue on this mission.

“We are striving for a future where people of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, and gender identities have the opportunity to live free from Aids, stigma, injustice and maltreatment – and I’m so grateful recognition like this brings us a step closer to making that a reality."

The singer’s husband, David Furnish, who is also chairman of the foundation, said: “It’s on us to make the world a better, more equal place, and Elton is someone who truly walks the walk.

“He is so deserving of the National Humanities Medal through his constant advocacy for equality throughout his career and through the Elton John Aids foundation.”

It was the 75-year-old British songwriter’s first White House gig since he performed with Stevie Wonder at a state dinner in 1998 to honour former prime minister Sir Tony Blair.

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