The 25-year-old injured captain received an Order of the British Empire for services to rugby along with veteran player Jason Leonard.

The rest of the 30-strong group of players were awarded Members of the British Empire at Buckingham Palace.

Dressed in tails and waistcoat, Wilkinson said there had been a fair number of jokes among the team about their smart attire.

Speaking after his encounter with the sovereign he said: I am very proud and honoured to be here and to be invited here as a team is really special.

The Newcastle player, who suffered a haematoma to his right bicep just 10 games into his top-flight return, continued: I had a really nice couple of minutes with the Queen and we were talking about the future for rugby.

We also talked about my slight injury and how I just wanted to be back playing.

The entire championship squad - with the exception of former captain Martin Johnson who was abroad - turned out with their families for the investiture.

When Wilkinson was asked if the Queen was overwhelmed by the appearance of 30 strapping rugby players, he laughed and replied: I think it was the other way round.

The boys were quite nervous and a little bit shaky. Some of them were saying they felt more comfortable going out in front of a crowd of 75,000 people, which I think shows the kind of respect the Queen inspires.

The English captain said the sovereign was quite a fan of rugby: She knew everything that was going on. She watches it regularly.

This is the third time I've been here and it doesn't get any less intimidating, but in a nice way. It is not something you get used to.

It was just myself last time so to be here with the team is great.

There has been talk about each other's jackets and jokes flying around but it is great to have the rest of the guys going in as well.

Leonard said he was worried his five-year-old son would shout out as he stood up to receive his OBE.

But the retired player added he was thrilled to meet the Queen again, describing himself as almost a local on his third visit.

He said: The boys are very, very excited, some of them were told to quieten down a bit because there was quite a lot of nervous energy, but it was a great day.

Leonard said he was pleased to catch up with the squad again having left international rugby and told how the banter remained the same.

Some of the guys had to be told to remember not to turn their back on the Queen and there were also bets over who would curtsey rather than bow - it's been great.