United Kingdom, April 7 -- Penny Lancaster has joked she "deserves a medal" for her 26-year relationship with Sir Rod Stewart.

The 55-year-old model, policer officer and TV presenter has opened up on her marriage to the Maggie May rock star, and revealed the secret to their long lasting romance.

She told Best magazine: "Yes, 26 years! I deserve a medal, don't I? Only joking.

"We don't take each other for granted and make sure we have date nights together - dinner, the theatre or whatever, doing the school run together and having an 'a deux' coffee on the way home, long romantic walks together...

"We flirt with each other and make each other laugh."

Penny explained that they try to "keep the intimacy alive" when they get moments alone...