An anti-monarchist MEP defended his decision to accept a knighthood as he was formally honoured at Windsor Castle on Thursday.

Sir Graham Watson, a south-west England Liberal Democrat MEP, was made a knight in the Queen's birthday honours list.

He was presented with the title by Princess Anne. Smiling broadly afterwards, the 55-year-old said: "I'm certainly not the first republican to receive such an honour and I doubt I'll be the last.

"It's a great honour and something I'm very pleased to receive on the behalf of all the people who have worked with me and the work they have helped me achieve. Every country has its honours system and this is ours."