Rod Stewart knighted by Queen Elizabeth II

Singer Rod Stewart has been knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, and he has thanked his fans for their ‘generous support’ in his ‘tremendous’ career. Stewart thanked his fans as he revealed during a gig in Southampton that he had been knighted in the Queen’s birthday honours, reports dailymail.co.uk.

The rocker told fans, “It’s all down to you guys, thank you so much, you’ve made me who I am.”

With 62 hit singles and six number ones, Stewart’s citation reads, “Roderick David Stewart. Singer/Songwriter. For services to music and charity.

“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’.’

Stewart leads a host of showbiz names who are among the 1,149 people to receive accolades in this year’s Queen’s birthday honours for their achievements across a wide range of fields including politics, industry, sport and charity work. Downton Abbey star Penelope Wilton, actor Brian Blessed and singer Dame Vera Lynn are among the achievers.