October 11 was momentous day for musical legend Rod Stewart as he was awarded a knighthood from Prince William.
Rod, 71, was accompanied by his 45 year-old wife Penny Lancaster and their two sons, Alistair, 10 and five year-old Aiden.
Sir Rod was joined by his family as he received the honour.
The Maggie May singer was awarded the honour in recognition of his services to music and charity.
The award follows a decades-spanning career that began in the ’60s with little-known group The Dimensions.
Rod had previously described the incredible accolade as “a monumental honour.”
“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.”
Giving a nod to his Scottish roots, the famed performed donned a pair of tartan trousers for the event.
Rod was overjoyed to be given a knighthood.
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, the London-born singer said: “It feels wonderful, it really, really does. It’s mind-blowing”.
As for what words were exchanged during the actual knighting, Sir Rod revealed Prince William had asked if he expected to keep touring and recording.
“I said yes because I’ve got eight children, I haven’t got much option, and he just said it was well deserved… It’s been a long and wonderful afternoon”.
“He congratulated me on my long career – and I said how happy this made me. I just wish my mum and dad had been here to see it,” he said.
WATCH: Rod Stewart reveals what Prince William said to him during the knighthood. Post continues…
Meanwhile, British-Nigerian actor David Oyelowo was given an OBE for his services to drama.
The Queen Of Katwe star said he was proud of the acknowledgement and “proud to be British” after receiving the accolade.
Following the ceremony, the newly-knighted Sir Roderick spent an evening with Queen Elizabeth at the Royal Academy of Arts, which saw the monarch present awards to five individuals who have made a national contribution to the visual arts or architecture.
Rod ditched his traditional tartan look of earlier in the day in favour of a more low-key black and white suit, while wife Penny opted for a leopard-print dress and shrug.
British actor David Oyelowo was also given recognition.
Queen Elizabeth looked to be in great spirits as she greeted the pair at the event, and dressed in a cream and gold ensemble for the occasion.
It was the monarch’s first public engagement in London since returning to Buckingham Palace following her summer at the Scottish residence.
At the event, The Queen was gifted with a bronze sculpture of a 900 year old oak tree that stands in Windsor Great Park. The Royal Academy said that it: “symbolises both the longevity of the monarchy and the new pioneering digital technologies inspiring contemporary creativity”.
Sir Rod and Penny looked delighted to meet Queen Elizabeth.
Queen Elizabeth looked pleased to be back at work after her summer break.
