Music legend Ringo Starr is set to be knighted in the New Year's Honours.

The Beatles drummer, 77, will be recognised for services to music and charity.

Despite being awarded an MBE in 1965, it is understood that Ringo had all but given up on his ambitions to become a sir.

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Music legend Ringo Starr will be knighted in the New Year's Honours. The Beatles drummer, 77, will be recognised for services to music and charity. Despite being awarded an MBE in 1965, it is understood that Ringo had all but given up on his ambitions to become a sir

The Liverpudlian is said to be 'made up,' a friend told The Sun, who added that it is 'richly deserved, if a little overdue.'

His award, for lifetime services to music and charity, in the New Year's Honours will be formally announced next week.

A close family friend added: 'It came as a bolt from the blue. Ringo was totally knocked sideways but is chuffed to bits.'

His award, for lifetime services to music and charity, in the New Year's Honours will be formally announced next week. A close family friend added: 'It came as a bolt from the blue. Ringo was totally knocked sideways but is chuffed to bits.'

The star, real name Richard Starkey, got his first drum kit as a Christmas present aged 17.

Just five years later he was a part of the world's biggest rock'n'roll band in the Beatles.

Despite being only the second of the Fab Four to receive the honour, his former bandmate John Lennon famously returned his MBE to the Queen.

Despite being only the second of the Fab Four to receive the honour, his former bandmate John Lennon famously returned his MBE to the Queen. While Paul McCartney accepted his in 2004 and George Harrison, also awarded an MBE in 1965, died of cancer in 2001

While Paul McCartney accepted his in 2004 and George Harrison, also awarded an MBE in 1965, died of cancer in 2001.

Ringo's last visit to the Palace was in 1965 when all the Fab Four were awarded the MBE.

A source said: 'Sadly, two of the Beatles, John Lennon and George Harrison, are no longer here to be honoured in a similar way.

'But giving Ringo a knighthood will go some way towards recognising the enormous contribution The Beatles made to popular music.'

While Sir Paul, 75, previously spoke up for his friend after the continual knighthood snubs. The Eleanor Rigby singer told a joked to a magazine that should have tea with the Queen, he would tell her to knight Ringo

The Fab Four:Ringo, said to be worth £300million, was born to a docker father and bakery worker mother, and raised in a two-up, two-down terraced house in Liverpool

While Sir Paul, 75, previously spoke up for his friend after the continual knighthood snubs.

The Eleanor Rigby singer told a joked to a magazine that should have tea with the Queen, he would tell her to knight Ringo.

'The last time I went by she was out.

'Otherwise, I would have popped in and said "Look, love, Sir Richard Starkey". Because I do think it's about time.'

Ringo, said to be worth £300million, was born to a docker father and bakery worker mother, and raised in a two-up, two-down terraced house in Liverpool.