Clinton's birthday greetings premature

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton yesterday wished the Queen a happy birthday - eight days early.

It was, an American Embassy spokesman insisted, "a simple error".

"The statement was sent out by Washington in error and we just assumed they had got it right and relayed the message."

The spokesman confirmed Clinton was aware of the gaffe but denied the Department was embarrassed by it. "This message was intended for release on June 11, and the early release was a simple error," he said.

Clinton wished the Queen a happy birthday, adding: "On this celebratory occasion, we pay tribute to the Queen's life and legacy and honour the special relationship between our two nations."

She talked up the "special relationship", saying it "continues to provide a solid foundation as the United States and Britain work side by side to meet the challenges of the 21st century".

- INDEPENDENT