Heart operation for Queen Rania of Jordan

Jordan's Queen Rania has undergone a non-surgical procedure in New York to correct an irregular heartbeat, the Royal Palace said today.

The 40-year-old had accompanied her husband, King Abdullah II, to the US where he attended the UN General Assembly meetings in New York. She also attended separate functions, including a panel on empowering girls.

A palace statement said today that Rania underwent catheterisation to restore a healthy heart rhythm.

The statement said the procedure went smoothly and that Rania was "well" and in "good spirits".

Rania is to remain in a New York hospital for two nights to recuperate and will return home later in the week.