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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/news...red-faced.html

Queen's birthday gaffe leaves Hillary Clinton red faced

Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of State, has been left red faced after mistakenly sending a birthday message to the Queen a week early.

By Andrew Hough
Published: 11:45PM BST 04 Jun 2010

An official statement from the US foreign policy chief paid tribute to the "Queen’s life and legacy,” despite the fact that the Monarch does not celebrate her official birthday until next weekend.

The diplomatic faux pas, sent on behalf of President Barack Obama and the American people on Friday, also celebrated the "special relationship" between the British and US governments.

"On this celebratory occasion, we pay tribute to the Queen's life and legacy and honour the special relationship between our two nations," Mrs Clinton said.

“The young princess Elizabeth helped rally her nation in the darkest days of that war, and she has remained a beacon of integrity and resolve ever since. The United States has always been grateful for her friendship and example.

“Once again, I wish Queen Elizabeth II a very happy birthday and peace and prosperity for the people of the United Kingdom in the year to come."

Mrs Clinton added that the “special relationship continues to provide a solid foundation as the United States and Britain”, which worked “side by side to meet the challenges of the 21st century”.