Queen Leaves Hospital After Stomach Bug

The Queen has left hospital after spending just 24 hours being treated for symptoms of gastroenteritis.

Looking relaxed and smiling, she appeared on the steps of King Edward VII's Hospital in central London and walked to her waiting limousine.

The Queen, 86, was admitted on Sunday for assessment by doctors after being struck down by the stomach bug on Friday.

Her illness forced her to cancel a trip to Rome to meet the country's President Giorgio Napolitano, as well as other planned engagements.

The stay raised concerns about the Queen's health generally as this was the first time she has been treated overnight at hospital in 10 years.

But she looked well and cheerful as she said goodbye to a uniformed member of staff who curtseyed to her.

The Queen, who wore a scarlet coat, is likely to spend time convalescing at Windsor Castle, her favourite residence.

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman declined to discuss in detail her condition and just said that she remained in "good spirits".

The spokeswoman confirmed the Queen's diary for this week would remain suspended. Beyond that, she said it was too early to say.

She said: "Engagements cancelled or postponed this week remain so. Next week we'll have to see, as she has only just been released from hospital."

The Queen has a number of events next week including the annual Commonwealth Observance multi-faith service at Westminster Abbey in London on March 11.

Soon after leaving hospital the Queen's royal standard was raised above Buckingham Palace, indicating her first stop was her official London home.

Aside from aides visiting shortly before her expected departure, the Queen did not receive any visitors from the royal family during her time in the hospital, which also cared for the Duchess of Cambridge when she had severe morning sickness.

Her Majesty's last hospital stay was in December 2003 when she had an operation on her left knee.