Beatles drummer Ringo Starr has received his knighthood for services to music.

The music icon, 77, received the honour from the Duke of Cambridge during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Speaking to the BBC after accepting the award, he said: "It means a lot actually. It means recognition for the things we’ve done. I was really pleased to accept this.”

He also reflected on how the honour came some 53 years after his first trip to the palace, when the Beatles were awarded MBEs. “I was a bit shaky today on my own”.

But he was quick to dismiss John Lennon’s claims that the Fab Four had been so nervous they sneaked into a bathroom at Buckingham Palace for a cigarette.

“Who said that?”, he joked after the ceremony.

“I’m not keeping that rumour going.”

Before Tuesday’s ceremony, Ringo met Paul McCartney for dinner in Beverly Hills, where McCartney told him what to expect after receiving his own knighthood in 1997.

“Last week, Paul and I had dinner in LA together and we were talking about Liverpool to here. It’s mad!

“He said 'keep smiling'.”

And when it came to how he’d be choosing to use his knighthood, the newly-appointed Sir Ringo had one thing in mind.

“I’ll be wearing it at breakfast.’