Sir Bobby Robson joked with the Prince of Wales after being knighted at Buckingham Palace on Thursday.

The 69-year-old Newcastle manager, in the post for three years, last week saw his team qualify for the second phase of the European Champions League.

Twelve years ago he took England to the World Cup semi-final, and in 1986 took them to the quarter-final.

He said the Prince had told him he was thrilled to see he was still working in management and still enjoying it.

'Solid support'

Sir Bobby said: "He said 'I hope it's not too taxing for you,' and 'Do take care'."

And despite his age he has no plans to retire, and said: "I'm doing exactly what I want to do. I'm happy doing it and I've got my health."

The honour was officially announced in the Queen's Birthday Honours in June.

With Sir Bobby were his wife Elsie and two of the couple's three sons, Andrew, 41, and Paul, 44.

Sir Bobby said: "She has been a solid support for me throughout 47 years of marriage.

'Doing well'

"She made sure I got out of bed every morning and went to work, and always had a warm welcome for me on my return. I've always had a great family around me."

Sir Bobby has managed across Europe, including with PSV Eindhoven in Holland, with Porto and Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, and at Spanish giants Barcelona.

He made his name during a long successful spell with Ipswich Town, winning them the FA Cup and Uefa Cup.

Talking about his current club, he said: "We are doing very well but it's a long time since Newcastle won something. I just hope we can bring in some silverware at some stage."