HELEN MIRREN - MIRREN LAUGHS OFF ROYAL INVITATION RUMOURS

LATEST: DAME HELEN MIRREN has categorically dismissed reports she's been invited to visit QUEEN ELIZABETH II at Buckingham Palace in the wake of her success in the movie THE QUEEN. Oscar-winner Mirren was said to have been asked to lunch with the British monarch along with screenwriter PETER MORGAN and director STEPHEN FREARS, who also both received Academy Award nominations. But the actress insists the invitation was a media myth. She says, "No - not a true story. Not a true story. We will never (hear a response from the Palace), I don't think. And if we did, I wouldn't tell you anyway." In fact Mirren is relieved not to have received an invitation to visit the woman she portrayed, as she would be stuck for words. She adds, "I have thought about that. You know, what would I do? I don't think I could handle that. No. 'Thank you, Ma'am, for being who you are, and allowing me to be you.' I mean what do you say? Very, very difficult."