The former Sinn Fein president criticised a BBC broadcast that aired allegations that he sanctioned the killing of British spy Denis Donaldson.

Venues in England and Wales which usually close at 11pm will be able to keep serving for an extra two hours on Thursday May 8.

Charles wrote a personal message reflecting on his diagnosis and praising the work of cancer charities, ahead of hosting a Palace reception.

Martyn Blake, 41, was cleared of murder in October but will have to face misconduct proceedings over the shooting.