MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Baroness Thatcher with her left arm in a sling, released from hospital

The former Prime Minister has suffered a number of health scares in recent years.

Baroness Thatcher has returned home from hospital more than two weeks after breaking her arm in a fall. The former Prime Minister, dressed in a pink cardigan, pink top and cream-coloured skirt, with her left arm apparently in a sling, waved at reporters and smiled on the doorstep of her central London home.

Lady Thatcher, 83, who said nothing to reporters, made the 60-second appearance before returning into her home aided by a female helper.

Lady Thatcher had been treated at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital since tripping and breaking her arm at home on June 12. She underwent an operation to insert a pin in a bone in her upper left arm on June 19.

She has suffered a number of health scares in recent years, including a series of minor strokes. In March last year she spent a night in hospital after feeling unwell while having dinner with friends.

Last summer her daughter spoke for the first time about the ex-premier's battle with dementia. Carol Thatcher said her mother struggled to finish sentences, did not know where she lived and even forgot that her husband Denis was dead.

Lady Thatcher cut down her commitments - all but stopping speaking in public - on the advice of doctors several years ago but she continues to attend ceremonial functions.

She was the first female Prime Minister - between 1979 and 1990 - and first female leader of the Conservative Party. Last month she marked the 30th anniversary of her ascent to power in 1979.