The queen went into hospital in London on Sunday with symptoms of gastroenteritis, a Buckingham Palace spokesman said.
The 86-year-old monarch first developed symptoms of the stomach bug on Friday and the decision to take her to hospital was a precautionary measure.
She was in good spirits and her condition was not deteriorating, the palace spokesman said.
All the queen’s engagements for the coming week, including a trip to Italy scheduled for March 6-7, have been cancelled or postponed. It is unusual for the monarch, who is very diligent in carrying out her royal duties, to cancel any engagement.
The queen last appeared in public on Thursday, when she bestowed honours on British Olympic medallists including heptathlon star Jessica Ennis.
The queen appeared well and happy in a salmon pink outfit in photographs of that event.
The head of state, who last year celebrated 60 years on the throne, is known for her robust health. She was last hospitalised in 2003 when she had a knee operation.
The palace spokesman said she had been spending the weekend at Windsor Castle, outside of London, and was driven by private car from there to the King Edward VII hospital in central London at about 3 p.m. (1500 GMT).
The spokesman said she was there for precautionary assessments and may remain there for a couple of days.
Reuters
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