Queen Elizabeth II in hospital with intestinal problems

London - Britain's Queen Elizabeth II was admitted to London's King Edward VIII hospital Sunday with symptoms of gastroenteritis, Buckingham Palace reported.

The hospitalisation means all official engagements for the upcoming week are to be canceled or postponed, the palace added. However, it noted that the stay was merely to be on the safe side.

"This is a precautionary measure," said a spokesman to the queen."She was not taken into hospital immediately after feeling the symptoms. This is simply to enable doctors to better assess her." Elizabeth, 86, is expected to stay in hospital for two days. She was reportedly driven to the hospital in a private car and was in good spirits.

She had canceled a planned visit to Wales on Friday after complaining of intestinal problems and stayed in Windsor for the weekend. She had been expected to fly with her husband, Prince Philip, for a two-day visit to Rome this week.//DPA