Flu-hit Baroness Thatcher leaves hospital

(GETTY)

Former prime minister Baroness Thatcher looked frail as she returned home from hospital today.

She appeared unsteady on the steps of her Belgravia home in central London and needed support from two helpers to stay on her feet.

But she did manage a brief wave and a smile to the waiting media before returning inside.

Lady Thatcher was admitted to the private Cromwell Hospital in west London almost a fortnight ago with an infection following a bout of flu.

She entered hospital on October 20 for tests after failing to shake off the illness, which had already forced her to miss her own 85th birthday party in 10 Downing Street.

Her spokesman said she had now been given the all-clear by doctors.

Prime Minister David Cameron sent his "warmest wishes" and is to find a new date to welcome her back to No 10 to celebrate her birthday.

Medical experts said Lady Thatcher - voted the world's most influential woman in a weekend poll - was likely to have stayed at the private hospital for a "health MoT".