Margaret Thatcher's flu ruined her birthday party

Former prime minister Baroness Thatcher will be released from hospital this afternoon, according to her spokesman. She was admitted to hospital in west London on October 19 to receive treatment for flu.

Her bout of ill-health meant she was unable to celebrate her 85th birthday at a Downing Street party with Prime Minister David Cameron and 150 guests. She released a statement calling for the event to go on without her and in a reference to her famous remark that she is "not for turning", quipped: "On this occasion I have had to accept that the Lady is not for returning.", according to Sky News.

Thatcher, prime minister from 1979 to 1990, was named as the most influential female role model for women in a poll published today.

Despite standing down as party leader 20 years ago, her time at the helm as Britain's first female prime minister appears to have left an indelible impression on women, according to a YouGov and AOL UK poll that asked women to name their most influential woman.

Thatcher attracted 32% of votes while fashion model Kate Moss came bottom of the table with just 1% of votes, The Guardian informs.