Queen guitarist Brian May was knighted by King Charles – while cracking a few jokes with the Monarch about his ageing knees.
The rock legend has created some of pop’s most memorable guitar rifts and solos over the last 50 years, including “We Will Rock You” and “Bohemian Rhapsody”.
Afterwards he said:
“I am very happy, smiling from ear-to-ear, particularly because it was the King, which means a lot.
“We’ve had a certain amount of contact over the years and we’re of an age, so I have a strong feeling for him, and it was a lovely moment.
“We discussed the fact that we are of an age, and he was wondering if my knees were holding out for the kneeling part of the ceremony.
“I said: ‘Yes, just about’.
“To receive this award, I suppose feels like getting approval, like when you get a gold star at school – perhaps you’ve done something and you know what you’ve achieved and if you get that seal of approbation from above, then it’s a very good feeling, it’s very special.”
Sir Brian, 75, was awarded the title in the New Year’s Honours List.
It is the first “dubbing” of a knight by the new King – who is a year younger at 74.
May’s citation read the award was for:
“Musician, Astrophysicist and Animal Welfare Advocate. For services to Music and to Charity.”
His actress wife Anita Dobson also attended the ceremony.
