Knighthood for Mick Jagger

Mick Jagger has been awarded a knighthood in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Jagger, who appears on the list as Michael Philip Jagger, singer and songwriter, becomes a knight for "services to popular music".

The award was leaked last weekend and has already generated some controversy.

Despite his age - he will be 59 on July 26 - Jagger has perfected the art of growing old disgracefully with a string of flings with models, one of which resulted in a love child in his mid-50s.

Jagger, who did not appear at the Golden Jubilee Palace pop concert, jokingly complained during a recent television documentary about missing out on royal recognition.

Jagger says he is "delighted" at the news.

The singer is currently locked away with bandmate and old pal Keith Richards as they prepare to tour. The 58-year-old star will join his bandmates to play a series of lucrative gigs around the United States later this year.