Karl Jenkins, the composer of The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, Adiemus, Palladio and other contemporary masterpieces has been awarded a knighthood in the Queen's birthday honours June 12.

Now 71 years old, he had been honoured with an OBE ten years ago, before being named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2010.

Sir Karl is one of today's most popular British composers, with many best-selling albums devoted to his music, renowned for its envelopping string and choral textures that transcend traditional genre divides.

"I’m not part of the establishment and so to get this honour is great. I write accessible music that appeals to people around the world and this is vindication of that," he told Wales Online.

Also included in this year's list of accolades was legendary British conductor Sir Neville Marriner, who has been named a Companion of Honour.