Queen Elizabeth Spends A Night In Hospital After Canceling Northern Ireland Trip

Queen Elizabeth II has returned to Windsor Castle after spending Wednesday night at a hospital.

The 95-year-old monarch spent a night at the hospital while undergoing "preliminary investigations," a Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed, after the Queen canceled her scheduled trip to Northern Ireland this week, CNN reported.

The Queen returned from the hospital Thursday and was "in good spirits," the palace said.

"Following medical advice to rest for a few days, The Queen attended hospital on Wednesday afternoon for some preliminary investigations, returning to Windsor Castle at lunchtime today, and remains in good spirits," read the spokesperson's statement.

The Queen was seen by specialists at the private King Edward VII's Hospital in London. Her brief hospitalization was not related to COVID-19 but was said to be for practical reasons, the BBC reported.

The Queen began undertaking light duties by Thursday afternoon, according to the outlet.

This was the first time that the monarch has stayed in a hospital since 2013, when she suffered symptoms of gastroenteritis.

Queen Elizabeth has had a busy month, and prior to her hospital stay, she was set to embark on a two-day trip to Northern Ireland this week. She has 16 formal events in her itinerary for October, including the Global Investment Summit at Windsor Castle that she hosted Tuesday.

But a palace spokesman told the BBC Wednesday that the Queen had "reluctantly accepted medical advice to rest for the next few days." The spokesman added that Queen Elizabeth was "disappointed that she will no longer be able to visit Northern Ireland."

The Queen's hospitalization came just days after she declined a British magazine's attempt to award her the title of "Oldie of the Year."

Author and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, chairman of the awards, wrote to the Queen's private secretary, Sir Edward Young, to ask if she would accept it. Her Majesty politely turned down the award in a letter, which was published in The Oldie magazine's latest issue.

"Her Majesty believes you are as old as you feel, as such The Queen does not believe she meets the relevant criteria to be able to accept, and hopes you will find a more worthy recipient," read the response from her assistant private secretary, Tom Laing-Baker, according to the BBC. "This message comes to you with Her Majesty's warmest best wishes."

Brandreth said the letter was "lovely," adding, "Perhaps in the future, we will sound out Her Majesty once more."

Queen Elizabeth, Britain's longest-reigning monarch, will mark her Platinum Jubilee next year after 70 years on the throne.