Rod Stewart has been awarded a knighthood by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth.
The 71-year-old singer has been recognised in the monarch’s birthday honours for his services to music and charity and is overjoyed that he will now be titled Sir.
He said: "I’ve led a wonderful life and have had a tremendous career thanks to the generous support of the great British public.
"This monumental honour has topped it off and I couldn’t ask for anything more.
"I thank Her Majesty and promise to ‘wear it well’."
The ‘Maggie May’ hitmaker thanked his fans for their support and revealed his friend Sir Elton John had already been in touch to congratulate him on the honour.
Speaking on stage at Southampton’s Ageas Bowl on Friday (10.06.16) evening, he said: "So it’s 10.30 and I have the great pleasure of being able to tell you now, in this hour, that your old mate up here has been knighted by Her Majesty The Queen.
"It’s all down to you guys, thank you so much you’ve made me who I am.
"I had a funny text from Elton today. It said ‘Congratulations darling, who would have thought a couple of old tarts from North London would be knighted?’
"Bless all of you, thank you."
Elsewhere, Dame Vera Lynn, 99, was "surprised" to be named a Companion of Honour.
The wartime entertainer said: "I felt very greatly honoured to be given a Damehood and never expected to receive anything else. So for Her Majesty to bestow a further accolade on me is very unexpected and I feel even more honoured."
Brian Blessed has been given an OBE for services to charity and the arts, while popular presenting duo Ant and Dec received the same honour for their work in broadcasting and entertainment.
‘Downton Abbey’ actress Penelope Wilton has been made a Dame for her services to drama.
Rod Stewart knighted
