She always planned to be home in time for her 101st birthday celebrations on Saturday. So it was no surprise that the indomitable Queen Mother checked out of the hospital where she underwent a blood transfusion to combat anaemia and returned to Clarence House on Thursday evening.
Determined to leave as she had arrived, the centenarian royal walked unaided down the steps of London’s King Edward VII hospital to her awaiting maroon Daimler. A light drizzle had been falling and hospital staff had twice mopped down the stairs and wiped the handrail to ensure she could get a good grip. Grasping her two walking sticks in her left hand, the nation’s favourite grandmother turned and waved cheerily to the gathered photographers and well wishers.
She was originally admitted to hospital on Wednesday after what was originally thought to be heat stroke was diagnosed as severe anaemia. There, she underwent an eight hour transfusion in which she received a pint of blood.
Although it looks as though the Queen Mum will be well enough to take part in the celebrations to mark her 101st birthday – loyal fans were already arriving in the Mall yesterday, 48 hours ahead of her scheduled public appearance – she scheduled to return to hospital next week for further tests.
While the transfusion will combat the symptoms which had made her complain of feeling “absolutely wretched”, doctors still need to assess her condition to see what is causing it. The new tests will include investigations for bowel cancer, kidney and thyroid problems and stomach ulcers. She is likely to need further transfusions, doctors report.
The strength of mind with which the Queen Mother approached her indisposition may also have partly been responsible for it in the first place. Members of the royal family believe the condition was aggravated by her reluctance to give in to it and her determination to maintain private and public engagements. She was equally adamant about not giving up her late nights and favourite tipples.
Although she is looking forward to her usual two-week stay at the Castle of Mey on the Sutherland coast, she may be forced to give up these plans in favour of a break at Birkhall near to the Queen at Balmoral. Apparently, royal officials are concerned about the remoteness of Mey and its distance from the nearest hospital. At Balmoral she would be only 40 miles from medical facilities in Aberdeen.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
