Cherie Blair suffers miscarriage

Cherie Blair was taken to hospital after falling ill at 10 Downing Street

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Cherie Blair, wife of the British prime minister, has suffered a miscarriage, Downing Street says.

She was admitted to London's Chelsea and Westminster Hospital after being taken ill in Downing Street on Monday night.

The 47-year-old was discharged on Tuesday morning following an operation.

Tony Blair is with his wife and the couple have delayed their departure for a holiday in France, a Downing Street statement says.

The full statement reads: "Following inquiries from the media in France and in London we can confirm that the prime minister and Mrs. Blair have delayed their departure on holiday.

"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 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 have four children -- Euan, 17, Nicky, 16, Kathryn, 13, and baby Leo who was born in 2000, the first child born to a serving British prime minister for 150 years.

Mrs Blair, who is a successful human rights lawyer, was last seen in public on Sunday night at the rain-soaked closing ceremony in Manchester of the Commonwealth Games.

Despite the weather, she clapped and sang along to the music along with 38,000 spectators at the stadium.

She also looked relaxed and happy in wet weather last Friday at the start of her long weekend holiday in St Bees, Cumbria, with her husband and family.

As she posed for photographs in the picturesque village, she fielded questions from reporters while sheltering under a large umbrella held by Blair.

A spokeswoman for Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare NHS Trust said: "I can confirm that Cherie Blair underwent treatment at the hospital last night.

"The Trust respects the privacy of its patients and will not be making any further comment on this matter."