Mirren denies 'cheap shot' at Queen

Dame Helen Mirren had denied that her portrayal of the Queen in a new film where the monarch is seen being woken in bed by a maid is a "cheap shot".

The Queen, directed by Stephen Frears, explores the royal family's reaction to the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

But Mirren said although some elements of the monarch's private life were shown, the film does not sensationalise events.

In one scene she is told of the fatal car crash in Paris after being roused by a chambermaid.

"I'm in curlers with a hot water bottle," Mirren told USA Today.

"Details of her private life are exposed, but the film is not a cheap shot or sensationalised."

Mirren, who has been nominated for an Emmy for her portrayal of Elizabeth I in an HBO show, said the 16th century monarch and Elizabeth II had little in common.

"Elizabeth I was a dictator who could do whatever she wanted. She had the power," Mirren, 61, said.

"Elizabeth II, of course, absolutely doesn't."

The current Queen is "utterly without vanity" she added.

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