Sir Elton John has performed a charity concert at London's Somerset House to an exclusive audience of millionaires and celebrities.

The pop singer played for 45 minutes on Thursday evening and was expected to raise up to �3m.

Among the 200 guests were Prince Charles and his partner, Camilla Parker Bowles, who was greeted with a kiss from Sir Elton.

Model Sophie Dahl was on the exclusive guest list

Each guest paid an undisclosed sum to attend the event, which was in aid of Somerset House and the children's charity Absolute Return For Kids (ARK).

It began with a champagne and canape reception in the courtyard of Somerset House, followed by a candlelit meal in a marquee.

The black-tie event was co-hosted by Lord Rothschild and Lily Safra and included an auction offering a chance to meet Arsenal football stars.

'Wonderful charity'

Other prizes included a day's pheasant and partridge shooting at Ashcombe, the �9m Wiltshire estate of Madonna and Guy Ritchie and the chance to play tennis doubles against Sir Elton and Guy Forget, captain of the French Davis Cup team in 2001.

Mrs Parker Bowles wore a cream evening gown made by designer Robinson Valentine, and a green shawl.

Prince Charles greets the co-host Lily Safra

Other guests included Elle Macpherson, Joanna Lumley, Jemima Khan and Sophie Dahl, who arrived with Tim Jefferies.

Speaking beforehand, Sir Elton said: "I was asked to perform by Lily (Safra) and I said yes because she's been so supportive of my charities.

"And when Lily asks you to do something, you do it.

"Anyway, it's a wonderful charity to be supporting."

ARK helps youngsters who are the victims of abuse, disability, illness and poverty.

Jemima Khan arrives at Somerset House

A spokesman said: "We are looking to give vital support to those children who are on the bottom rung of the ladder and who, with a helping hand from ARK, could go on to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.

"The social safety net in the UK has frayed and many children are faced with acute problems including poverty, family breakdown, mental illness and school exclusion, which often lead to a life of unemployment, drug abuse and crime."

The charity also works with deprived children in eastern Europe, including the aftermath of war in Kosovo.