Ex-Beatle Ringo Starr is knighted

  • 21/03/2018

You can now call him Sir Ringo Starr. 

The iconic drummer from The Beatles was officially knighted on Tuesday, receiving the honor from Prince William at Buckingham Palace for his services to music. 

The award was first announced for the 77-year-old in December, when the Queen's 2018 New Year's honors list was revealed. 

Born Richard Starkey, Sir Ringo arrived at the ceremony with his wife Barbara Bach, happily smiling and gesturing his trademark peace sign.

"It means a lot actually," he told the BBC.

"It means recognition for the things we've done. I was really pleased to accept this."

He said he wasn't sure about how he felt about being called Sir Ringo.

"It's new and I don't know how you use it properly."

"But I expect you to use it," he said looking at BBC reporter Colin Paterson.

 

Sir Ringo said he missed not having his former bandmates with him. 

"I was a bit shaky today on my own," he said. 

Formed in Liverpool in 1960, The Beatles are considered to be the most important and influential musical group of all time. 

Despite only a ten year career it's estimated they've sold over 800 million physical and digital albums worldwide. 

Sir Ringo and bassist Paul McCartney are the only living members - John Lennon and George Harrison passed away in 1980 and 2001 respectively. 

The knighting of Sir Ringo comes 53 years after The Beatles were presented with Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) medals by Queen Elizabeth II. 

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