Mark Todd knighted at Buckingham Palace

Veteran horseman Mark Todd was formally knighted for services to equestrian sport by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace yesterday.

The double Olympic gold medallist was one of several sports stars honoured.

Sir Mark, 57, is returning to New Zealand to attend the funeral of his father, Norm, in Cambridge tomorrow.

Sir Mark, who is based in Swindon, Wiltshire, chatted about horses with Prince Charles after being dubbed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

"He asked me how Badminton went this year ... I said it wasn't my best."

Later Sir Mark said: "I'm proud, obviously, because it's an award from New Zealand, but I'm thrilled to be able to receive it here at Buckingham Palace."

Retirement is not in the new knight's immediate plans; he has his sights set on the 2016 Olympics in Rio.