Queen Mum Hospitalized for Anemia

L O N D O N, Aug. 1 -- Britain's much-loved Queen Mother Elizabeth was admitted to the hospital today for treatment of a blood disorder.

The "Queen Mum," who is due to celebrate her 101st birthday on Saturday, was driven to the King Edward VII Hospital in central London this morning.

She walked unaided into the private hospital, where she is now being treated for anemia, a shortage of red blood cells, doctors said. Further tests are due to be carried out to determine why her red blood cell count is so low.

A royal spokesman confirmed the dowager queen, mother of Queen Elizabeth II, would be having a blood transfusion as part of her treatment.

Dr. David Black, a consultant geriatrician at Queen Mary's Hospital, said, "Blood transfusions are only given if people are severely anemic and ill and the doctors think they might need an immediate boost in red blood cells."

Spokesmen at Clarence House, her official London residence, downplayed the situation and said she still planned to celebrate her birthday.

"Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, has been diagnosed as suffering from anemia," they said in a statement. "She is hopeful of being able to undertake her usual birthday duties outside Clarence House on Saturday."

Traditionally, the Queen Mother appears outside the gates of her residence with other members of the royal family on her birthday. She greets well-wishers, who present her with gifts and cards.

Downplaying Health Concerns Amid Heat

The enormously popular Queen Mother's health and general well-being has always been a matter of concern and interest to the British public.

Her private secretary, Sir Alistair Aird, added to the official statement by saying, "There is no cause for alarm."

Recent events, however, tend to suggest that the situation is a little more serious, especially given her advanced years. The usually energetic centenarian had to pull out of an official function Tuesday. She had been due to attend a stone-laying ceremony honoring the colonial war dead near Buckingham Palace, but doctors said she was suffering from heat exhaustion. Her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, took her place at the engagement.