Bonnie Tyler’s death prompts royal tribute from Prince William and Kate

Welsh pop icon Bonnie Tyler died at age 73 in a hospital in Faro, Portugal. The British royal couple, Prince William and Princess of Wales (Kate), posted a joint statement on Instagram, expressing “deep sadness” and ending their tribute with the Welsh phrase “Diolch am y gerddoriaeth” (“Thank you for the music”).

The post included a rare photo of Tyler receiving her MBE from Prince William at Windsor Castle in 2023. Tyler, known worldwide for hits such as “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” was a cultural figure in Wales and the UK. She is survived by her husband of more than 50 years, Robert Sullivan. The news sparked reactions from other celebrities, including actress Catherine Zeta‑Jones and German singer Florian Silbereisen, and drew global condolences.

The royal family’s statement highlighted the singer’s impact on multiple generations and underscored the personal connection William had with the artist, having presented her honour years earlier.