© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: Britain’s Queen Elizabeth attends a Service of Thanksgiving to mark the Centenary of the Royal British Legion at Westminster Abbey, London, Britain October 12, 2021. Frank Augstein/Pool through REUTERS
By Michael Holden
LONDON (Reuters) – Britain’s 95-year-old Queen Elizabeth spent an evening in hospital for the primary time in years for what royal officers termed ‘preliminary investigations’ however was in good spirits and again at work at her Windsor Fort dwelling on Thursday.
The world’s oldest and longest-reigning monarch cancelled an official journey to Northern Eire on Wednesday. The palace stated the queen had been advised to relaxation by her medical employees, and that her ailment was not associated to COVID-19.
“Following medical recommendation to relaxation for a couple of days, the queen attended hospital on Wednesday afternoon for some preliminary investigations, returning to Windsor Fort at lunchtime immediately, and stays in good spirits,” the palace stated in a press release on Thursday.
A royal supply stated the queen had stayed on the King Edward VII hospital in central London for sensible causes and that her medical workforce had taken a cautious strategy.
Elizabeth, who’s queen of 15 different realms together with Australia, Canada and New Zealand, returned to her desk for work on Thursday afternoon and was endeavor some mild duties, the supply stated.
She had spent Tuesday night time internet hosting a drinks reception at Windsor for billionaire enterprise leaders equivalent to Invoice Gates after Prime Minister Boris Johnson convened a inexperienced funding convention forward of the COP26 local weather summit.
The queen had appeared in good well being then, smiling fortunately as she met the company.
The top of state, who subsequent yr celebrates 70 years on the throne, is understood for her strong well being. The final time she is assumed to have spent an evening in hospital was in 2013 when she was affected by signs of gastroenteritis.
She had a profitable surgical procedure to deal with an eye fixed cataract in 2018, and likewise had a knee operation in 2003. Nonetheless, royal officers are detest to debate well being points usually, saying medical issues are personal.
Earlier this yr, Prince Philip, her 99-year-old husband of greater than seven a long time, died at Windsor Fort.
However that has not stopped her from finishing up her official engagements, though her age has meant she has handed extra duties to her son and inheritor Prince Charles, and to different members of the royal household.
Earlier this month, she was seen utilizing a strolling stick for assist in public for the primary time, other than after her knee operation.
TURBULENT TIMES
Her lengthy reign has seen some turbulent instances and the final couple of years have been notably troublesome from her household and for Elizabeth personally.
Not solely has she misplaced her husband, who she described as her “power and keep”, however her second son Prince Andrew has needed to give up royal duties over his hyperlinks to the late U.S. financier Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of intercourse crimes.
Her grandson Prince Harry and his American spouse Meghan have additionally stepped away from royal duties to maneuver to Los Angeles from the place they delivered some barbed assaults on Buckingham Palace.
Regardless of the setbacks, polls present Elizabeth, who acceded to the throne in 1952 when Britain was shedding its imperial energy, stays common and extremely regarded in Britain, symbolising stability for generations.
Her quiet and uncomplaining dedication to the obligation of queenship, even in outdated age, has earned her widespread respect, even from republicans who’re desirous to abolish the establishment.
Her subsequent main engagement is on the finish of the month when she is because of welcome world leaders on the opening of the United Nations local weather change summit in Glasgow.
