Britain's Queen Elizabeth the Second has been admitted to the hospital over an apparent stomach infection that has ailed her for days.

The monarch will have to cancel a visit to Rome and other engagements as she recovers.

The palace said in a statement that the 86-year-old queen was experiencing symptoms of gastroenteritis.

Queen Elizabeth, who celebrated 60 years on the throne last year, rarely misses engagements because of health issues.

She had been due to visit Rome.