Queen cancels official trip to Wales due to stomach bug

Queen Elizabeth is recovering at Windsor Castle after coming down with a stomach bug that forced the cancellation of a royal engagement.

The 86-year-old monarch had been due to visit Swansea, Wales, on Saturday to present leeks — a national symbol — to soldiers of the Royal Welsh Regiment in honour of Wales' national day, St. David's Day.

Buckingham Palace says the Queen is spending the weekend as usual at Windsor Castle outside London.

The monarch, who celebrated 60 years on the throne last year, rarely misses engagements due to ill health. She last cancelled an engagement five months ago due to a bad back.

© The Canadian Press, 2013