Despite having been hospitalised for what was initially thought to be heat exhaustion and later undergoing an emergency blood transfusion, the Queen Mother is determined to be up and about for her 101st birthday this Saturday.
She was forced to cancel an official engagement on Tuesday due to “mild heat exhaustion” following a hectic schedule of appointments carried out in the recent hot weather. After further tests she was admitted to the King Edward VII Hospital for treatment.
Wearing a dress in her favourite blue and a pretty flower-covered hat, the Queen Mother descended from the Daimler in which she arrived and smiled as she walked up the three steps to the hospital unaided. Apparently the hospital had already been alerted to the fact that she did not require a helping hand.
At the hospital she underwent an emergency blood transfusion to combat severe anaemia. Doctors used blood from the national transfusion service in the lengthy procedure.
Concern has been growing over the number of engagements the Queen Mother has undertaken in recent weeks – in the past fortnight she has crisscrossed the country by helicopter and plane, hosting a dinner party and picnic, attending Ascot, and visiting a flower show at Sandringham in blistering heat. The Queen, who stood in for her mother on Tuesday, has said the nation’s favourite grandmother is in need of “a good rest”.
Head of care for the elderly at Hammersmith Hospital, Professor Christopher Bulpitt, said: “Anaemia is common in elderly people, affecting about 15 per cent of the over 85s. Severe cases can be fatal, but fortunately doctors can often treat the condition provided they can identify and treat the cause.”
The centenarian’s private secretary Sir Alistair Aird insists that his royal employer is not seriously ill, however. “There is no cause for alarm,” he said. “Her Majesty hopes to be undertaking her usual birthday engagements at Clarence House on Saturday.”
The Queen Mother is expected to be released from hospital on Thursday.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
