The US State Department has extended happy birthday wishes to Queen Elizabeth II. Only problem is, it's not yet her majesty's birthday, DPA reported.
The State Department acknowledged it acted prematurely in sending out Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's birthday greeting on Friday. The queen's official birthday celebration is June 12.
"We were a week early," spokesman PJ Crowley said, laughing. "As always, better to give a greeting a week early than a week late."
Elizabeth turned 84 years old on April 21, her actual day of birth. But in line with monarchy tradition, the birthday is officially recognized on a Saturday in June.
The traditional festivities include a parade and ceremony at the Government House in London.
In the statement sent to reporters by email, Clinton praised the queen for rallying Britain during the "darkest days" of World War II and as "a beacon of integrity and resolve ever since."
"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," Clinton said.
Elizabeth's birthday celebration will also coincide with the match between the United States and England in the first round of the World Cup in South Africa.