The world's oldest and longest-reigning monarch stayed in hospital overnight on Wednesday but returned to Windsor Castle to the west of London the following day, with officials saying she was in good spirits and back at work.

The Queen, who cancelled an official trip to Northern Ireland on Wednesday, had been told to rest by her medical staff, the Palace said, but her ailment was not related to COVID-19.

"Following medical advice to rest for a few days, the Queen attended hospital on Wednesday afternoon for some preliminary investigations, returning to Windsor Castle at lunchtime today, and remains in good spirits," the palace said late on Thursday.

Aides gave no details on what had prompted the medical attention and some royal correspondents said they hoped the official version of events painted the full picture.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson sent his best wishes and said the monarch was back at her desk.

"I am given to understand that actually Her Majesty is, characteristically, back at her desk at Windsor as we speak," Johnson told reporters.

A royal source said the Queen had stayed at the King Edward VII hospital in central London for practical reasons and that her medical team had taken a cautious approach.

The source said she was now resting and undertaking light official duties.

Elizabeth - who is Queen of 15 other realms including Australia, Canada and New Zealand - returned to her desk for work on Thursday afternoon and was undertaking some light duties, the source said.

Elizabeth, who acceded to the throne as the United Kingdom was shedding its imperial power, has symbolised stability for generations of British people, building the popularity of the monarchy despite seismic political, social and cultural changes that threatened to make it an anachronism.

A quiet and uncomplaining dedication to duty, even in old age, has earned her widespread respect in the UK and abroad, even from republicans who are eager for the monarchy to be abolished.

Elizabeth spent Tuesday night hosting a drinks reception at Windsor for billionaire business leaders including Bill Gates after Prime Minister Boris Johnson convened a green investment conference ahead of the COP26 climate summit.

Elizabeth, along with her son and heir Prince Charles, 72, and grandson Prince William, 39, greeted guests including US climate envoy John Kerry without masks.

The Queen, wearing a teal skirt and jacket with pearls, was photographed beside Johnson, smiling and chatting with guests.

The head of state, who next year celebrates 70 years on the throne, is known for her robust health.

The last time she is thought to have spent a night in hospital was in 2013 when she was suffering from symptoms of gastroenteritis.

She had a successful surgery to treat an eye cataract in 2018 and a knee operation in 2003 but royal officials are loathe to discuss health issues in general.

Prince Philip, her husband of more than seven decades, died in April aged 99.

That has not stopped her from carrying out her official engagements, although her age has meant she has handed more duties to Charles and other members of the royal family.

She was this month seen using a walking stick for support in public for the first time, apart from after her knee operation.

Australian Associated Press