Sir Van Morrison described himself as just a "blue-eyed soul singer" from Belfast as he was knighted for a lifetime of performing.

The prolific recording artist is best known for his songs Baby, Please Don't Go, Here Comes The Night and Gloria with the band Them, solo hits like Brown Eyed Girl, Tupelo Honey and Have I Told You Lately, and critically acclaimed albums like Astral Weeks and Moondance.

But Prince Charles was keener to discuss the 70-year-old star's new material as he honoured him at Buckingham Palace's ballroom.

Sir Van said: "He was just saying, was I still writing? And he said: 'You're not going to retire any time soon?' And I said: 'No, I'm not, I'm going to keep it going while I can'."

Born George Ivan Morrison, the son of a shipyard worker was awarded his knighthood for services to the music industry and tourism in his native Northern Ireland.

Afterwards he said about becoming a Sir: "It's amazing, it's very exhilarating, the whole thing.

"For 53 years I've been in the business - that's not bad for a blue-eyed soul singer from east Belfast."

Sir Van said he still remained committed to performing for an audience.

Asked if fans could still call him Van The Man now that he has a knighthood, the singer laughed and said "Well, take your pick".