Ringo Starr Knighted By Prince William

Prince William knighted Beatles drummer Ringo Starr for his services to music. The ceremony took place on Tuesday at Buckingham Palace. As per tradition, he knelt as The Duke of Cambridge touched his shoulders with a ceremonial sword.

He told the BBC , "It means a lot actually. It means recognition for the things we've done. I was really pleased to accept this."

Ringo received his knighthood 53 years after the Beatles given MBEs, aka

"Most Excellent Order of the British Empire" honors, and 21 years after his band mate Paul McCartney was knighted.

Speaking to the BBC, Ringo said he missed having the rest of the Beatles around him, noting, "I was a bit shaky today on my own." However, he said Sir Paul gave him some advice last week: "Keep smiling."

As for whether he'll be known as Sir Ringo or Sir Richard Starkey -- his birth name -- he told reporters, "I don't know yet. It's new and I don't know how you use it properly." Then, he told one BBC reporter, "But I expect you to use it."

The drummer, who arrived at the ceremony with wife Barbara Bach , predicted of his medal, "I'll be wearing it at breakfast."