LONDON - Rock singer Rod Stewart and Queen Elizabeth II's granddaughter, Zara Phillips, are among those honoured by Britain's monarch in her traditional New Year honours list.

Rock singer Rod Stewart, pictured November 2006, and Queen Elizabeth II's granddaughter, Zara Phillips, are among those honoured by Britain's monarch in her traditional New Year honours list.[AFP]

Phillips becomes an MBE (member of the British empire) after winning the equestrian world and European championships earlier this year, as well as the much-coveted BBC sports personality of the year award a few weeks ago.

The 11th in line to the throne and daughter of Princess Anne becomes the most senior royal to be recognised in the list.

Meanwhile Stewart, known for his gravelly voice and hits such as "Maggie May" and "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?", receives the more prestigious CBE (commander of the British empire).

He is the latest in a recent string of pop stars to receive honours from the queen, though his gong is lower down the pecking order than the knighthoods given to Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney.

Further evidence of the list's recent democratization came with the award of honours to a baton twirler, a retired milkman and a shoeshine boy.

From the world of sport, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard becomes an MBE alongside boxer Ricky Hatton, while golfer Ian Woosnam, who led Europe to Ryder Cup victory this year, receives an OBE (officer of the British empire).

Despite media speculation, there is no knighthood for former England football captain David Beckham, who is already an OBE.

Inventor James Dyson, famed for his vacuum cleaner, receives a knighthood, while actor Hugh Laurie, who shot to international fame in the television series "House", becomes an OBE.