David Cameron to apologize to queen for remark caught on tape

LONDON -- Prime Minister David Cameron will apologize to Queen Elizabeth II for disclosing details of a private conversation with her about the Scottish referendum.

Britain's leader was overheard telling former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg that the monarch appeared relieved that the Scots voted to stay in the United Kingdom. He made the comments Tuesday while attending the United Nations General Assembly.

Microphones picked up an unguarded Cameron describing how the queen "purred down the line" after hearing the results.

"I've never heard someone so happy," Cameron added, according to Reuters.

Conversations with the monarch are considered private and her views are rarely aired. Cameron said Wednesday he was sorry.

"Look, I'm very embarrassed by this. I'm extremely sorry about it," he told reporters in New York according to Sky News.

"It was a private conversation, but clearly a private conversation that I shouldn't have had and won't have again," he said. "My office has already been in touch with the palace to make that clear and I will do so as well."