Sir Tom says it's not unusual to love the Queen

LONDON, Mar 30 (Reuters) Welsh singing legend Tom Jones was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in honour of the hip-swivelling star's four decades of performing.

Jones, 65, whose real name is Thomas Woodward, received the accolade for services to music at a ceremony yesterday at Buckingham Palace in London.

''It is fantastic. I love seeing the Queen and I have always been a royalist,'' he told the BBC afterwards.

''She is lovely and she still is lovely. She has got a great smile and her whole face lights up when she smiles.'' Sir Tom -- known as Jones the Voice in his homeland -- had his first number one hit in 1965 with ''It's Not Unusual'' and went on to notch up a series of chart successes including ''Delilah'', ''Green Green Grass Of Home'' and ''Sex Bomb''.

A contemporary of Elvis Presley, he has won a new legion of fans in recent years performing with modern stars such as Wyclef Jean and Robbie Williams.

REUTERS CH BST0950