Rod Stewart knighted in Queen Elizabeth II's birthday honours
AFP
June 11, 2016 17:53 MYT
June 11, 2016 17:53 MYT
Stewart performs on stage during his concert as part of his 'Hits Tour' at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam on May 14, 2016. - AFP Photo
Pop singer Rod Stewart has been awarded a knighthood in a list of honours to mark Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday announced by Buckingham Palace Friday.
The British star, whose songs include "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?" and "Maggie May", was honoured for his services to music and charity.
The 71-year-old, who has sold tens of millions of albums during a career spanning six decades, said in response to the announcement that he "couldn't ask for anything more".
"I thank Her Majesty and promise to 'wear it well'," he added, punning on the title of another of his hit records.
Stewart can now style himself Sir Rod and joins a long list of other British musical knights including Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Elton John.
Meanwhile Tim Peake, the British astronaut who is currently on the International Space Station, received a CMG -- Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George -- a distinguished honour given to those who carry out services to Britain overseas.
Peake's award was for "services to space research and scientific education".
Royal honours are awarded twice a year -- on the queen's official birthday and at new year.
Recipients can be nominated by members of the public and their names are sifted by an official committee.
It then submits its decisions to the prime minister and queen for final approval.
There were also awards for sports starts including England cricket captain Alastair Cook, who receives a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire), and bowler Stuart Broad, who gets an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire).
Other recipients of honours include Paul Whybrew, a page to the queen who receives the Royal Victorian Order.
He appeared in a spoof James Bond video featuring the queen and Daniel Craig broadcast during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics.
There was also an MBE for Andrew Salmon, a Seoul-based journalist and writer who is seen as an authority on Britain's role in the Korean War of 1950-53.