Michael Palin becomes first - and maybe only - Monty Python star to receive knighthood

A smiling Sir Michael Palin resisted the temptation to crack a joke as he was knighted by the Duke of Cambridge.

The writer and broadcaster was dubbed by William for services to travel, culture and geography, making him the first Python star to receive the title.

Sir Michael, who starred as one of the knights who said “Ni” in film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, discussed his travels with William during the ceremony at Buckingham Palace yesterday.

But the comedian said he avoided telling one of his usual jokes.

Sir Michael, 76, said: “He talked about where I was going next, and parts of the world I wanted to go I hadn’t already – to which I normally say Middlesbrough.”

The writer and broadcaster was dubbed by William for services to travel, culture and geography (PA)

The comedian said he avoided telling one of his usual jokes (PA)

But the TV presenter said he played safe and instead named Kazakhstan.

So far, Sir Michael is the only Python to be knighted, although he claimed John Cleese once turned down the honour.

So far, Sir Michael is the only Python to be knighted, although he claimed John Cleese once turned down the honour (PA)

Sir Michael called the experience “rather wonderful” and it would have been “unbelievable” to his young self 50 years ago when the Python team formed (PA)

Sir Michael called the experience “rather wonderful” and it would have been “unbelievable” to his young self 50 years ago when the Python team formed.

He added: “It’s very, very nice to be recognised.”

Also honoured was diver Vernon Unsworth, 64, who got an MBE for his part in the rescue a young football team trapped in a Thai cave last year.