Helen Mirren has responded to rumours that she rejected an invitation from the Queen to lunch at Buckingham Palace in favour of shooting her latest film in the US.

Mirren won an Academy Award earlier this year for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in 'The Queen.'

The actress�s excuse for her no-show becomes even more flimsy when you consider that film in question is the much under-anticipated sequel to the Nicolas Cage vehicle, 'National Treasure.'

Mirren�s people must have realized this because they have now seen fit to issue the following official statement regarding the matter:

"I was honoured to be invited to dinner at the Palace. This was a gracious gesture and very appreciated by me. It was therefore hard to have to decline. I was contracted on that date to be working in South Dakota, in a situation which was impossible to change.

"I would have made every effort to attend if it had been humanly possible. I explained this to the Palace officials, and I believe they understood. I would never have the hubris or the rudeness to insult anyone who had the kindness to invite me to dinner. "

Glad that�s cleared up.