Cherie Blair recovering after miscarriage

Cherie Blair left hospital yesterday after suffering a miscarriage. The Prime Minister's wife, who knew she was pregnant, was admitted to hospital on Monday night.

Mrs Blair, 47, is recuperating with her husband before they join the rest of their family on holiday in France. Tony Blair accompanied his wife to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London, where she had an operation under general anaesthetic.

The couple released a statement after journalists, awaiting their arrival in Toulouse, asked why they had been delayed.

Downing Street said: "This follows Mrs Blair's admission to the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital last night for an operation after a miscarriage. She had an operation under general anaesthetic and was discharged this morning.

"The Prime Minister was at the hospital with her and they both would like to thank the hospital staff for their support and care. Mrs Blair came through the operation well and is now resting.

"The Prime Minister and Mrs Blair will join the rest of their family later for what they hope will be a quiet holiday.

"While we understand the inevitable interest in this matter we hope that the media will continue to allow the Prime Minister and his family to enjoy as normal a family holiday as possible." The Blairs' four children, Euan, 18, Nicky, 16, Kathryn 14 and two-year-old Leo, are understood to be in France with Mrs Blair's mother Gail.

One in five pregnancies ends in miscarriage, usually in the first 13 weeks. It can be the result of a malformed foetus or the mother suffering an infection, raised temperature or a hormone imbalance. Doctors may recommend women have an operation which involves scraping the inside of the uterus to ensure it is clear and avoid prolonged bleeding.

Last night well-wishers sent flowers to Mrs Blair. John Prescott, the Deputy Prime Minister, said: "I am very sorry to hear the news for Tony and Cherie and hope people will respect their privacy."