IT was the speech of barrister Nick Cartmel's life.

Taking his feet, he addressed a hushed court in grave tones with the words: "The jury will be unaware of the very sad news we have had within the last hour."

There were gasps from around the court as Mr Cartmel said it was his unpleasant duty to announce the death of the Queen Mother.

Two women jurors burst into tears as he paid a short but eloquent tribute to Britain's favourite royal.

Taking his lead from Mr Cartmel, the trial judge, Mr Recorder David Waksman, also spoke of the sad loss to the nation.

It was only when Mr Cartmel got home and switched on the television that he realised, to his horror, that reports of Her Majesty's death had been greatly exaggerated.

Yesterday, the blushing barrister apologised profusely for his blunder and blamed a rumour that had swept Newcastle Crown Court on Friday for the worst day of his career to date.

Back in court yesterday, enduring the sniggers of defendants and lawyers alike, Mr Cartmel, 33, could only hold up his hands and plead guilty to an error of judgement.

He said: "The court was buzzing with the very sad news of the Queen Mother's death and it was being spoken of as an absolute fact.

"As it dawned on me that the Queen Mother was actually still alive there was a mixture of emotions.

"I was very relieved that she was still with us but I felt absolutely dreadful for the jury.

"It was a most unfortunate error and I am very sorry about the upset it caused."

The Internet is being blamed for rapidly circulating the false story that the 101-year-old was dead on Friday.

Her aides confirm she is very much alive, well and enjoying her holiday in the Highlands.