AS the Queen Mother settled back into Clarence House today after having a second hip replacement operation, kind-hearted Evening Press readers were thanked for their good wishes during her stay in hospital.

The Queen Mother left King Edward VII Hospital in London yesterday after spending three weeks recovering from the operation.

Many Evening Press readers were inspired to write messages of goodwill to the 97-year-old Queen Mum during her stay in hospital, which we passed on to Clarence House, and today editor Liz Page received a letter of thanks from the Queen Mother's private secretary, Sir Alastair Aird.

He wrote: "Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother was most touched to receive your good wishes for her recovery, and Her Majesty has asked if you would convey her gratitude to all who joined in your kind message."

The messages included one from Mrs L Newton, from Wheldrake, York, who said: "Wishing you a speedy recovery. I have had four hip replacements, so I can sympathise."

And Ernest Haskins, from Moorlea Avenue, Dringhouses, wrote: "May God watch over you Ma'am like he did in London during the Blitz."

The Queen Mother is now expected to build up her strength and confidence through daily exercise and will stay under the observation of doctors.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.