The top-ranked Spaniard has played in the west London tournament every year since his first appearance in 2005. Last year, he beat Novak Djokovic 7-6 (6), 7-5 in the final.
The June 8-14 tournament comes near the start of the short grass-court season and is immediately after Nadal defends his French Open title on red clay in Paris.
"It is nice to come back to a place where you are the last champion,'' said Nadal, who went on to beat Federer 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7 in the longest Wimbledon final in history. "I love to play these two tournaments. To arrive as the last champion is going to be a really nice experience.''
East Notes: Rough start for Crew
Nadal returns to defend Queen’s Club title
