Nadal brushed aside an injury-hit 2016 by reaching the final of the season-opening grand slam in Melbourne.

"The people that organise the event at Queen's and the British crowds are fantastic, and it is the best way for me to be ready for Wimbledon," Nadal told BBC. 

"Rafa is one of the greatest tennis players of all time and one of the most popular ever to play at the Queen's Club," Tournament director Stephen Farrow said.

Nadal last won the tournament in 2008, the year he won his maiden Wimbledon crown. Since then Murray has won the trophy five times in nine years. The Brit said hopes to play at Queens for the rest of his career 

"I’ve always loved playing the event and I’m really happy to know that I will play at Queen’s for as long as my career lasts," Murray told the Guardian newspaper.

"My first ATP World Tour match win came at Queen’s in 2005, so for it to become by far the most successful tournament of my career is a great feeling. Looking at the names that have won the tournament four times – some of the best players ever – winning it five times means a lot to me."

This year's tournament will start on June 19.