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No 10 issued apology over John Major's birthday message to Queen Mother

In 1994, Downing Street apologised after Prime Minister John Major's birthday telegram to the Queen Mother was addressed in an "improper manner," according to newly released files at the National Archives, Kew, west London.
Records show the telegram text was prepared properly at No 10, and Downing Street said British Telecom appears to have addressed the message improperly during transmission.
Captain Sir Alastair Aird, Queen Mother's private secretary, telephoned No 10 demanding an explanation, and official correspondence included `I am so sorry that this happened.`
The episode left relations intact while embarrassing No 10, as the Queen Mother still sent thanks to John Major and Norma Major, and files suggest telegrams may be going out of fashion.
Archival release frames the incident as a minor protocol clash as archivists noted telegrams may be going out of fashion and files do not clarify the royal household's precise outrage.

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Downing Street's humiliating apology to Royal Family member revealed in newly released documents

Newly-released government documents have revealed that Downing Street was forced to deliver a humiliating apology after then-Prime Minister John Major's 1994 birthday telegram to the Queen Mother was addressed improperly.The papers, made available at the National Archives in Kew, west London, disclose that the royal household took significant umbrage at the error.The precise nature of the addressing mistake that provoked such displeasure remains…

13 days ago·London, United Kingdom

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