The King’s message will open Friday night’s coverage before the charity’s flagship live event begins in Cambridge.

His broadcast will mark the first time he has spoken publicly about his own recovery in the context of a nationwide health campaign.

The message was filmed in the Morning Room at Clarence House during the final week of November.

It is scheduled to air at 8pm at the start of Channel 4’s special night of programming focused on cancer awareness, early diagnosis and research funding.