Lady Thatcher to stay in hospital

Sir Mark Thatcher talks about his mother's recovery

Former Conservative Prime Minister Baroness Thatcher will remain in hospital until Monday after being injured in a fall at her home.

Lady Thatcher is said to be "in good spirits" following the accident in which she broke her arm.

The 83-year-old was visited by her son, Sir Mark Thatcher, earlier.

Her official spokesman said there was no cause for concern, adding that doctors felt the move was prudent given the injury and Lady Thatcher's age.

Sir Mark said his mother was "relaxed" and had "a bit of mischief about her".

He told reporters at Chelsea and Westminster hospital in London: "She had a very good night and was relaxed and slept well.

"She has had some painkillers but was in very good order and had a bit of mischief about her. She's in very good spirits."

'Nothing untoward'

On Friday, Lady Thatcher's office said there were no complications or other health issues to be concerned about, following her accident.

"It's a simple fracture, but bearing in mind who she is, she's 83 and the shock to the system, it's just belt and braces. There is nothing untoward."

They said she had tripped and fallen on Friday morning. An ambulance was called and she was transferred under police escort, with her special branch protection detail, to the hospital.

An X-ray revealed she had fractured her upper arm.

Lady Thatcher, who led Britain from 1979 to 1990, has become increasingly frail in recent years and has suffered a number of minor strokes. Her daughter Carol has also spoken about her struggle with dementia.

Ill health forced her to abandon her regular public speaking engagements in 2002 but she still makes public appearances.

In March last year she spent the night in hospital after feeling unwell while having dinner with friends.

But earlier this week she was at the Carlton Club in London to mark the 30th anniversary of her historic election victory.

In September 2007 Gordon Brown surprised many of his own backbenchers by inviting the peer to visit Downing Street and praising her as a "conviction politician".