Sir Terry's first spell as Radio 2 breakfast host began in 1972

The Irish-born host, who presents a morning BBC Radio 2 show, recently obtained dual citizenship, allowing him to use the title "Sir".

Sir Terry, who used to present an evening BBC One chat show, has more than eight million listeners.

He also presents TV coverage of the annual Eurovision Song Contest and the Children in Need telethon.

Sir Terry, the most popular breakfast host nationally, was originally due to receive an honorary knighthood but his dual citizenship meant it was changed to an ordinary one.

The broadcaster was born in Ireland before the country became a republic in 1949, entitling him to UK citizenship.

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said: "As Sir Terry obtained citizenship after the original announcement, his honorary knighthood was changed to an ordinary one."

After receiving his accolade, Sir Terry said he was "surprised" and "delighted".

Royal listener

"As an Irishman I'm doubly honoured to receive this not in the country of my birth," he said.

"The Queen said she had been listening this morning.

Sir Terry was among the first DJs on Radio 1 when it began in 1967

"I said a woman had written to me saying if she was passing Great Yarmouth could she drop in and switch on the Christmas lights and that there was a sausage roll and a glass of wine in it for her if she did so.

"Her Majesty seemed pleased."

Sir Terry added that he expected to receive "more dog's abuse" than respect from his breakfast show colleagues.

Born in Limerick in 1938, Wogan went into banking after college before switching careers to join Ireland's national Radio Eireann as a newsreader and announcer.

He moved into light entertainment as a disc jockey and host of Irish TV quiz and variety shows before joining BBC radios.

He has provided his popular commentary of the Eurovision Song Contest for more than 30 years.

His chat show Wogan ran for 10 years until 1992.

The presenter will revisit stars he first interviewed on the show for a new series, Wogan Now & Then, to be broadcast on UKTV Gold.