Queen Elizabeth Hospitalised: She’s Down With Gastroenteritis

Britain’s 86-year-old Queen Elizabeth II was admitted to hospital for the first time in 10 years on Sunday as a precautionary measure, after struggling to shake off a bout of gastroenteritis. (An infection of the stomach and bowel with symptoms commonly including vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration)

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said the monarch’s planned visit to Rome this week — her first trip overseas since October 2011 — had been called off.

Known for her robust health and devotion to duty, Britain’s head of state rarely misses engagements. It was also reported that she would not be taking visitors in order to minimise publicity.

Prime Minister David Cameron on Sunday issued a statement saying: “We wish the Queen well and wish her a speedy recovery.”