 Coverage of Johnny Wilkinson's honour could beat Beckham |
England's Rugby World Cup hero Johnny Wilkinson will be presented with an MBE by the Queen on 10 December, it has been announced. The honour was revealed in the 2003 New Year list, months before England's World Cup win last Saturday.
The 24-year-old has since been hailed as a national hero, joining David Beckham as the country's most loved sportsman.
Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger will get his knighthood on the same day.
Joint honours
England fly-half Wilkinson will receive an MBE for services to sport and Jagger, 60, will receive a knighthood for services to music.
The legendary rocker's honour was announced about 18 months ago, but has so far been delayed due to touring commitments.
Wilkinson's massive public popularity following his last minute drop kick, which won England the Webb Ellis Trophy, threatened to eclipse media coverage of the OBE presented to David Beckham on Thursday.
The investiture ceremony for Wilkinson will take place at Buckingham Palace on 10 December, a palace spokeswoman said.
Two days before, on the 8 December, England's World Cup winning rugby players will receive a victory parade through the streets of London.
They will have an audience with the Queen and a reception with the prime minister.
One-Minute World News 
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