Singer Rod Stewart has received a knighthood in the Queen's Birthday Honours list, for his services to music and charity.
The 71-year-old singer, whose recording career spans 50 years, is currently on tour, where he announced his knighthood live in front of a sellout crowd.
Speaking from the stage at Southampton's Ageas Bowl, Stewart 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 (John) 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."
In a statement Stewart also promised he'd wear his new title well.
"I've led a wonderful life and have had a tremendous career thanks to the generous support of the great British public," he said.
"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'.
