Elton cops bill for wedding

His wedding bill has already been estimated at an eyewatering £1million.

But Sir Elton John is now having to fork out an extra and unexpected £10,000 - the price of policing the happy event.

The singer has been told he must foot the bill for patrolling officers protecting him, his husband-to-be David Furnish, and their friends and families from the fans who are expected to turn out to see the ceremony next week.

Sir Elton, 58, and 43- year- old Canadian film producer Mr Furnish - who have been together for 12 years - are due to exchange vows on Wednesday, the first day that gay civil partnerships can legally take place.

The pair are planning an intimate ceremony with just their families and friends at the Guildhall in Windsor - where Prince Charles married Camilla in April - before having a lavish party for 700 of their nearest and dearest at their nearby £ 12million home. Barriers will be erected and patrols of police working on 'Operation Elton' will ensure that no fans get close enough to try to sneak in to see the service.

Sir Elton will have to find around £10,000 to cover the cost of up to 20 officers after Thames Valley Police said he had to pay.

'Any extra policing incurred as a result of the event will not be met by the residents of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead,' said a police spokesman yesterday. 'They will be met by the organisers.' A spokesman for Sir Elton said: 'Of course he is happy to pay. He doesn't want to inconvenience anybody.'

The wedding is expected to be the showbusiness event of the year, with a host of celebrities, including Victoria Beckham, Joan Collins, George Michael, Elizabeth Hurley, Hugh Grant, Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger and Donatella Versace making their way to Windsor for the festivities.

The Mail has learned the couple will exchange rare 31-carat yellow diamonds bought from Chopard.