Mirren turns down palace invite

Helen Mirren has turned down an invitation to dinner at Buckingham Palace, citing a hectic filming schedule for her no-show.

The Oscar-winning actress - who won the coveted gong for her portrayal of the British royal in 2006 movie The Queen - was quick to dismiss reports she has snubbed the British monarch, insisting she is "very sad" to turn down the dinner invitation, which clashes with filming for National Treasure: Book Of Secrets.

She says: "The palace very kindly extended an invitation to dinner last Tuesday, but, unfortunately I was filming in South Dakota and unable to change my schedule. I am very sad not to have been able to attend."