The Queen Mother has left hospital three weeks after undergoing emergency surgery to replace her left hip.

The 97-year-old great-grandmother emerged smiling and waving to cheers from a crowd gathered outside King Edward VII Hospital in London.

Wearing a light purple coat and matching hat, she carefully stepped down the front steps carrying two silver-topped walking sticks.

She was presented with a bouquet of flowers and then driven to Clarence House, her London residence.

The Queen Mother was admitted to hospital after fracturing her hip in a fall at Sandringham, the Queen's Norfolk estate.

From outside the hospital she was driven to her London home

Initially she was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in King's Lynn, near the estate, before being transferred in London.

The operation on January 25 was described by her doctors shortly afterwards as a success.

During her stay the Queen Mother was visited by members of the Royal Family, including the Princess Royal and Princess Margaret.

One of the most popular royals, she was showered with get-well cards and bouquets of flowers from well-wishers.

In November 1995 the Queen Mother underwent surgery for the total replacement of her right hip.
 

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