Pop singer Rod Stewart can now call himself Sir Roderick.

The London-born singer, whose career includes such hits as Maggie May, You Wear It Well and Tonight's the Night, was knighted by Prince William at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday for his services to music and charity after more than 50 years in show business.

"It feels wonderful, it really, really does. It's mind-blowing," Sir Rod, 71, told reporters afterward.

The three-times-married crooner was accompanied to the ceremony by his wife, Penny Lancaster, and his two youngest children, Aiden and Alastair.

Sir Rod said 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 said.

Sir Rod joins the likes of Elton John, Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger in the ranks of rockers who have received the honour.

Queen Elizabeth greets Sir Rod Stewart and wife Penny Lancaster after he was knighted. ( AP: Jeff Spicer )

Reuters