Queen Mother has treatment for anaemia

The Queen Mother was last night resting in hospital after a blood transfusion for anaemia. She was admitted to King Edward VII hospital in central London yesterday, following blood tests because she was suffering from exhaustion.

Royal aides said the transfusion, using blood from the national transfusion service, was a success. The Queen Mother expects to return to Clarence House, her London home, in time for her 101st birthday celebrations on Saturday.

She walked unaided from her official Daimler and climbed three steps into the hospital, pausing to smile at reporters and well-wishers. The Queen, standing in for her mother at a ceremony close to Buckingham Palace, said she needed "a good rest".

Anaemia, a common complaint among women over 65, causes weakness and fatigue.