He lifted the Rugby Union World Cup - and yesterday Martin Johnson picked up a CBE from the Queen.

It was a belated visit to Buckingham Palace for the former England captain, whose award was made in the 2004 New Year Honours list, following the November 2003 World Cup triumph in Sydney.

Since then he has been pursuing a busy schedule, including charity fundraising during his testimonial year.

"It's nice to finally get here," said the 6ft 6in rugby giant who weighs in at 18st 7lb. "The guys came last year and I would have loved to have come with them - but this is something to savour."

The rest of the World Cup squad received honours - coach Clive Woodward was knighted, kicker Jonny Wilkinson collected an OBE and the other players received MBEs - at a Palace investiture in October.

Johnson, who was born in Solihull, 34, retired from Test rugby after the World Cup but has continued to lead his club side, Leicester.

He has decided to bring down the curtain on his glittering career at Twickenham on June 4 when he will take part in a charity match against a Jonah Lomu team.

"I've been able to go out on my own terms after a decade of international rugby," he said.