London, July 24 - Late pop legend Michael Jackson was desperate to meet British monarch Queen Elizabeth II because he wanted to be conferred knighthood.

The 'Thriller' hitmaker often enjoyed trips to London and was once treated to a tour of the Houses of Parliament in the British capital by his friend Uri Geller, who has revealed that Jackson always harboured a desire to meet the Queen in hope to eventually become a 'Sir', reports contactmusic.com.

'When Michael heard Steven (Spielberg) got a knighthood, he wanted one too - and he should have (been granted one),' said Geller.

'I once took him to the Houses of Parliament and he whispered, 'Is the Queen here?',' he added.

Filmmaker Spielberg was honoured as an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) by the Queen in 2001. The monarchy can bestow knighthood on candidates who are not citizens of a Commonwealth Realm - they can use the initials after their name but are forbidden from using the title of 'Sir' or 'Dame'.