LONDON - Buckingham Palace says Queen Elizabeth II has been hospitalized after suffering from what appears to be a stomach infection. The palace says that the 86-year-old British monarch had experienced symptoms of gastroenteritis and that her upcoming trip to Rome would be cancelled.
In a statement released Sunday, the palace said that all official engagements for the coming week would be postponed or cancelled "as a precaution."
The symptoms of gastroenteritis -- vomiting and diarrhea -- are generally mild and usually pass after one or two days, but they can be more severe in older or otherwise more vulnerable people.
Officials had said on Friday that Elizabeth was dealing with a stomach bug. She had to cancel a visit Swansea, Wales, on Saturday to present leeks -- a national symbol -- to soldiers of the Royal Welsh Regiment in honour of Wales' national day, St. David's Day.
Elizabeth, who celebrated 60 years on the throne last year, rarely misses engagements due to ill health. About five months ago, she cancelled an engagement due to a bad back. She had been due to visit Rome on Wednesday and Thursday. Ingrid Seward, the editor of the British magazine Majesty, said that the queen "probably agreed to be hospitalized in order to get better quickly."
"Everybody will want to be wishing her a speedy recovery," she told Sky News television.
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