Paul McCartney 'Washed Before Collecting Knighthood'

Sir Paul McCartney has revealed that he had to take a shower before collecting his Knighthood from the Queen in 1997.

The former Beatle told Absolute Radio that he hadn't washed for two weeks before going to Buckingham Palace to receive the honour.

"Slight trepidation at the idea of going to Buck Palace and being honoured by her Maj,” he said.

“I hadn't washed for about two weeks so I thought, 'I can't go there smelling.' so I did wash that morning."

As previously reported on Gigwise, in the same interview Sir Paul also spoke about his desire to perform in China.

The singer, who three years ago said he would boycott the country because of its human rights record, said he was intrigued by the nation.

You can see a selection of rare Beatles shots from CBS’ exhibition, which is on display at the Beatles Story until November, below...