Sir Mark Cavendish is super humbled after receiving knighthood from Prince William - with former Page Three model wife Peta by his side

Prince William presented a host of British sports stars with awards at an investiture ceremony today, including cyclist Sir Mark Cavendish who received a knighthood.

Sir Mark - who was accompanied by his wife Peta, the former glamour model and Page 3 Girl - described the knighthood as super humbling and very, very special. 

The Prince of Wales hosted the presentation at Windsor Castle, with ex-Scotland footballer Ally McCoist receiving an OBE for services to football and broadcasting.

Wayne Barnes, 45, who refereed last years Rugby World Cup final, received an OBE for services to his sport; while Welsh football referee Cheryl Foster got an MBE.

Karen Carney, 37, the former England football international who is leading efforts to reform the womens game at elite and grassroots level, also received an OBE.

Sir Mark Cavendish with his wife Peta after receiving his knighthood at Windsor Castle today

Cyclist Sir Mark Cavendish receives a knighthood from Prince William at Windsor Castle today

Sir Mark Cavendish is made a Knight Commander of the British Empire by William today

Speaking after the ceremony, Sir Mark said it will be really nice to race as a Knight Commander.

The 39-year-old from the Isle of Man finished this season with a record-breaking 35th career Tour stage win in what he said would likely be his last race.

However, he has postponed retirement before, and has since given mixed messages about whether he will race again.

Asked today about his future in the sport, he said he still had some races this year.

Ex-Scotland footballer Ally McCoist receives an OBE for services to football and broadcasting

McCoist remains Rangers all-time top scorer, having been on target 355 times in 581 matches

Former Scotland footballer Ally McCoist after being made an OBE at Windsor Castle today

Ive still got races this year, he said. Im still training for them, it will be really nice to race as a Knight Commander.

However, he repeated that he would not race in the Tour de France again.

Ive already said I wont do another Tour de France, he said. Thats public knowledge I wont do another Tour de France.

He said it was super humbling to receive a knighthood.

I was really nervous, he said. His royal highness was superb. I didnt honestly know Id be nervous, but Im so incredibly proud of representing the country.

Karen Carney, 37, the former England football international, receives an OBE at Windsor today

Karen Carney is leading efforts to reform the womens game at elite and grassroots level

Former footballer Karen Carney after being made a OBE during an investiture ceremony today

He said he spoke to William about cycling.

I think the last time we met was at the Tour de France in Yorkshire and I crashed at the end of that stage, he said. 

He asked me if I was doing anything else up there, and he was talking about my career, which was very nice.

He said he was very happy with his career.

I am very fortunate to have got to do what I love for so many years, and to see other people inspired by that and riding bikes themselves, he said.

In particular, he said it was great to see the growth of the sport in recent years.

Welsh football referee Cheryl Foster is made a Member of the Order of the British Empire today

Prince William presents the MBE to football referee Cheryl Foster at Windsor Castle today

Referee Cheryl Foster after being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire today

Seeing how many people ride bikes now, seeing the growth of cycling in this country now and seeing how successful weve become at it ... its incredibly rewarding to be part of that and to know that its something you can be honoured for it.

It wonderful. You know, Im just a lad from the Isle of Man, to be a Knight Commander, thats not something I could ever have dreamed of.

Sir Mark said one of his children expected him to come out wearing a suit of armour after he was knighted.

One of the boys thinks Im going to be walking about in armour, he said.

He added: Theyre very proud.

Rugby referee Wayne Barnes after being made an OBE during an investiture ceremony today

Sir Mark Spencer, the former farming minister, is made a Knight Bachelor by William today

Between 2007 and 2015, Cavendish secured 133 victories including the 2011 world title, stages of all three Grand Tours, Milan-Sanremo in 2009 and more.

He also won a silver medal in the omnium at the 2016 Olympics.

Sir Mark was joined by a host of Britains sporting greats at the ceremony including McCoist, who received an OBE for services to football and broadcasting.

McCoist, 62, is best known now as a co-commentator and pundit, but enjoyed great success during his playing days, chiefly at Rangers.

He remains the Glasgow clubs all-time top goalscorer, having been on target 355 times in 581 matches and winning eight league titles.