Rugby union star Jonny Wilkinson returned to Buckingham Palace - along with the entire squad of the victorious England World Cup team.

The 30 players were dressed in tails and waistcoats for their meeting with the Queen.

And the triumphant team, whose epic win against Australia last November in the final seconds ignited euphoria around the country, seemed delighted to be reunited.

Fly half Wilkinson, 25, was awarded an Order of the British Empire for services to rugby along with veteran player Jason Leonard.

In what turned out to be a very family affair, the rest of the players were awarded Members of the British Empire

It is the third time the injured Wilkinson has been to the palace - meeting the Queen after their victory in December last year and accepting his MBE.

The newly appointed captain, who is recovering from a haematoma to his right bicep, was joined by his actor girlfriend Diana Stewart and parents Philip and Philippa.

Speaking at the ceremony, he said he was delighted to be back at the palace.

"I am very proud and honoured to be here and to be invited here as a team is really special," he said.

"I had a really nice couple of minutes with the Queen and we were talking about the future for rugby.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP