Sir Mo Farah: "The Queen knew who I was"

Sir Mo Farah Talking With Queen Elizabeth

The Queen has always surprised people with exceptional insight and profound knowledge, and Mo Farah was the latest to admit being in awe of such knowledge.

The British Olympic legend has revealed details of a conversation with the monarch and Prince Harry during his knighthood ceremony earlier this year.

In an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, the 34-year-old said Her Majesty backed his decision to retire from track racing last month.

"Prince Harry was there - he's a great character," Farah recalled. "He's always up for a laugh, he's a good lad, and I remember Harry saying to The Queen, 'He's stopping [racing].' And she goes, 'Mo, why are you stopping?' And I'm like, 'I've done enough on the track.' And she was like, 'Leave him, he has done far too much running.' She kind of knew who I was, I was surprised."

The two-time gold medallist is currently preparing to take part in the Great North Run in Newcastle on 10 September, as he aims for a record fourth consecutive victory.

This is not the first time that Sir Mo Farah heaps praise on The Queen. Back in January, he posted an emotional message in which he criticised a travel ban imposed by US President Donald Trump on Somalians among other nationalities.

Farah, who was born in Somali before moving to Britain, wrote, "On 1st January this year, Her Majesty The Queen made me a Knight of the Realm. On 27th January, President Donald Trump seems to have made me an alien.

"…I was welcomed into Britain from Somalia at eight years old and given the chance to succeed and realise my dreams. I have been proud to… receive the greatest honour of a knighthood.''

Viewers in the UK tuned into ITV last night to watch Farah's interview with Jonathan Ross which marked the start of the 12th series of the show. The marathon legend was also joined by Harry Styles, Suranne Jones and John Bishop.