Rod Stewart turned up at Buckingham Palace in a rock and roll outfit overnight to collect a medal for his services to music in a ceremony he described as "cool".
Gravel-throated Stewart, 62, shunned the traditional morning suit worn by most of the investiture guests, plumping instead for a skull and crossbones tie, white trousers and a black-and-white-striped shirt.
The spiky-haired vocalist, who has been singing hits since the 1960s, collected his CBE medal as a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire - an honour one step below a knighthood.
With Queen Elizabeth II in Belgium for commemorations marking 90 years since Passchendaele - one of World War I's bitterest and bloodiest battles - Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, handed out the awards.
"It was cool," said Stewart, who was joined by Penny Lancaster, his wife of just weeks.
"It's a marvellous occasion."
Stewart said Prince Charles asked how his voice was.
"I've got a bit of a chest infection so I'll be having a glass of wine today rather than getting sloshed," the rocker said.
Stewart is known for his hits such as "Maggie May" (1971), "You Wear It Well" (1972), "Sailing" (1975), "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" (1978), and "Baby Jane" (1983).
He is the latest in a recent string of pop stars to have received honours from the Queen.
Elton John, Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney have all been knighted. © 2007 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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