LONDON (voa) – British rocker Mick Jagger has become Sir Mick as he accepted knighthood. Britain’s Prince Charles conferred the honor on the 60-year-old Rolling Stones lead singer at Buckingham Palace. He was honored for his achievements and contributions to popular music.
The prince was standing in for Queen Elizabeth who was hospitalized for knee surgery.
Michael Phillip Jagger breezed into the palace in a long black leather coat, a purple scarf and sneakers – a marked departure from the traditional attire of a top hat and tails. The singer and songwriter said it was nice to receive such honors as long as one does not take them too seriously.
On hand at the ceremony were Mr. Jagger’s two daughters and his 92-year-old father Joe.
A long line of British luminaries from the world of entertainment and sports have been knighted in the past. Among them are pop stars Paul McCartney and Elton John, actors Michael Caine and Anthony Hopkins, and film directors Ridley Scott and Peter Ustinov.
The British monarchy bestows honors upon men and women from a wide cross section of British society, including journalists, athletes, artists, academics and politicians.
Sir Mick received his award as one of his string of ex-wives also received an honor. The Council of Europe nominated Bianca de Macias, a Nicaraguan beauty queen who now goes by Bianca Jagger, as a Goodwill Ambassador for the Fight Against the Death Penalty. She is due to be formally appointed next Tuesday in Paris.
