Reading chairman Sir John Madejski was today formally knighted by the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace for his charitable services.

As well as giving his name to Reading's Madejski Sadium and a school in the town which he part-funded, Sir John, 67, is a benefactor to institutions including the Royal Academy of Arts.

He is also Chancellor of the University of Reading and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire.

Snooker star John Higgins said he felt more nervous about receiving his MBE for services to the sport than for any snooker match.

The Scot, 33, said: "It's the biggest honour I've ever had.

"It was totally out of the blue when I found out. It's a very proud moment - something to savour."

The two-time former world champion said he could cope with the pressure of a big game because he could control the situation whereas meeting the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace was like "walking into the unknown".

"I couldn't believe how nervous I was," he said. "I was the most nervous I have ever been."

Higgins, nicknamed the Wizard of Wishaw, said the Princess asked him about upcoming tournaments.

"She said, 'You must be very busy, you must miss your family when you're away?'. I said, 'Yes, I really do'."

Higgins wore a kilt for the occasion on the instructions of his wife Denise, who attended the ceremony with their sons Pierce, seven, and Oliver, four.

Their eight-month-old baby daughter Claudia was too young to join the family.

Higgins said that during his 17-year career he never believed he would end up at Buckingham Palace.

He said: "I'm still pinching myself."

Higgins plans to display his MBE with his many trophies.

"It will be proudly placed next to my trophies," he said. "It will be in pride of place in the middle of everything."

Higgins said winning a third World Championship title next month would be "fantastic" and that Ronnie O'Sullivan was the man everyone would be trying to beat.

"Currently ranked fifth in the world, Higgins claimed the world title in 1998 and 2007.