Rod Stewart receives knighthood from Prince William

12 Oct 2016 |

Rock legend Rod Stewart has officially become a 'Sir' after receiving a knighthood from Prince William on Tuesday (11Oct16).The 71-year-old musician was invited to Buckingham Palace in London where he was honoured for his services to the music industry and charity work.

The Maggie May singer arrived for the investiture ceremony with his wife, Penny Lancaster-Stewart, 45, and children Aiden, 5, and Alastair, 10, dressed in his signature tartan trousers.Rod's honour was announced in June (16) as part of British monarch Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday honours list.

Upon receiving the news he was to be given the honour, Rod said in a statement, "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."

Rod has enjoyed a musical career spanning more than five decades, first fronting the popular band The Faces and embarking on a solo career which saw him top the charts worldwide with hits including, Sailing, Maggie May and Da Ya Think I'm Sexy? He has also been generous with his philanthropy, supporting charities including the British Red Cross, Breast Cancer Care and Elton John's AIDS Foundation.

The rocker was previously made a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2007.Also receiving an honour from the Prince on Tuesday was Selma star David Oyelowo. The actor, who recently became a U.S. citizen, was appointed a member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to drama.

As a youngster The Queen Of Katwe star was a recipient of a Prince's Trust grant to join a youth theatre production. "To be honoured by the Queen in this way having been aided by her son's charity feels like a beautiful full-circle moment," he smiled.