OTTAWA: "Thatcher has died," read the short text message that kicked off a brief diplomatic flurry among members of Canada's parliament and their advisors at a black tie dinner this week, said local media Thursday.

Upon learning the "news" via Blackberry at a soiree honouring Canadian military families this week, some 2000 shocked Conservatives, said to revere the Iron Lady, and their advisors reportedly huddled to discuss a reaction.

Mistaken identity ... news of Thatcher's death gave paws. Credit:AFP

The prime minister's office called Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street to confirm that Margaret Thatcher had indeed passed away -- baffling British officials, CanWest News Service said.

It turned out the message was sent by Canadian Transport Minister John Baird from his home in Toronto to a person at the gala dinner to say his beloved 16-year-old gray tabby cat, named for Margaret Thatcher, 84, had died.

The recipient then forwarded it to others.

A spokesman for Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper's office was not immediately available for comment.

AFP