Hillary Clinton just made the Queen a week older

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has made a royal blooper: she accidentally sent a birthday message to the Queen a week early.

Despite the fact that the Monarch does not celebrate her official birthday until next weekend, an official statement - sent on behalf of President Barack Obama and the American people on Friday - paid tribute to the "Queen's life and legacy."

The faux pas 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", reports The Telegraph.

A spokesman for Mrs Clinton attempted to make light of the gaffe.

"We were a week early," Philip Crowley joked to reporters in Washington.

"As always, it is better to give a greeting a week early than a week late."

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman added: "It was obviously a genuine mistake and there was no offence taken whatsoever".

Although the Queen's actual birthday is April 21, it is officially celebrated on a Saturday in June, culminating with the annual Trooping the Colour parade.

This year the ceremony, also attended by other members of the Royal Family, is scheduled for next Saturday.