Mirren denies snubbing Queen

Dame Helen Mirren has denied reports that she turned down invitations to visit Buckingham Palace after her Oscar-winning success in The Queen.

Responding to reports that she had refused to pay her respects to the Queen when invited to meet the inspiration for her successful portrayal in real-life, Helen said: "No it is not true that I snubbed the Queen.

"She is an amazing hard-working woman as I am. If you are working there's absolutely nothing you can do."

Helen was speaking on the red carpet after being crowned Greatest Briton in Film at the new Greatest Britons 2007 awards ceremony in London, which also saw the Queen herself winning the accolade of Greatest Living Briton.

The monarch beat off competition from the likes of Baroness Thatcher, Dame Julie Andrews, Sir Paul McCartney and Robbie Williams to the title.

Although Her Majesty was not at the ceremony to receive the award, her son Prince Edward appeared via video link to pay tribute to his mother.

Other winners on the night included footballer David Beckham, who picked up a special global achievement award as the Greatest Briton Overseas for his work on and off the pitch.

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