Former PM Thatcher to stay in hospital

LONDON (Reuters) - Former prime minister Margaret Thatcher is recovering after breaking her arm in a fall and will remain in hospital until at least Monday, a spokesman said on Saturday.

Thatcher, 83, fell at her London home and was admitted to the Chelsea and Westminster hospital on Friday. She was visited by her son Mark on Saturday and was reported to be comfortable.

"Lady Thatcher will be remaining in hospital until at least Monday and a further statement will be given on Monday," the spokesman said.

The Conservative politician, known as the "Iron Lady" during her 11 years in power, has had intermittent health scares since she was forced from power by her own Conservative Party in 1990.

She suffered a series of mild strokes in late 2001 and 2002 and cancelled several engagements a few months later due to an undisclosed illness. On the advice of her doctors, she cancelled her public speaking schedule and cut back personal appearances.

One of her most recent public engagements was a meeting with Pope Benedict in Rome last month.

In March 2008, Thatcher was taken to hospital for tests after feeling unwell during a dinner at the House of Lords. She was also admitted to hospital in 2005 after a having dizzy spell at her hairdresser's.

(Reporting by Luke Baker; Editing by Robert Woodward)