Tony Blair's knighthood opposed by protesters outside Windsor Castle

Buckingham Palace announced the former Labour leader, who held the keys to No 10 between 1997 and 2007, was to be appointed a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter – the highest possible ranking.

Sir Blair said: “It is an immense honour to be appointed Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, and I am deeply grateful to Her Majesty the Queen.

“It was a great privilege to serve as prime minister and I would like to thank all those who served alongside me, in politics, public service, and all parts of our society, for their dedication and commitment to our country.”

Protester with a wanted poster of Tony Blair and George Bush

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But more than 1.1 million people signed a petition on change.org, urging for Sir Blair’s knighthood to be removed because he is the “least deserving person” and “should be held accountable for war crimes”.

Sir Blair was Prime Minister during the allied invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan. Campaigners say he made “irreparable damage to both the constitution of the United Kingdom and the very fabric of the nation’s society”.

Protesters walking along Thames Avenue as they make their way to Windsor Castle

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Stop the War protesters have gathered outside Windsor Castle to voice their anger against Sir Blair’s appointment.

Campaigners walked along Thames Avenue towards Castle Hill with placards of wanted posters of Tony Blair and former US President George Bush for war crimes.

Sir Blair was knighted on Friday but a public ceremony is to be held at the Castle today (Monday, June 13).