Ryan Kelly, of Scythe Road on Lang Farm, will meet the prince as he receives a bravery award at the Wellchild and Best magazine Children’s Health Awards at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Ryan, aged nine, was diagnosed with velocardiofacial syndrome as a baby – an inherited condition caused by the absence of a part of his DNA.

The Ashby Fields Primary School pupil is receiving the award for keeping everyone else cheerful through all the complications of his condition, which can cause heart abnormalities and learning difficulties.

Ryan’s mother Maria, aged 38, said: “The main problem from this was his heart and he had surgery when he was a week old.

“After that he had been absolutely fine apart from low muscle tone which didn’t really affect him, and a problem with his voice.”

When he spoke air escaped through his nose. Ryan underwent an operation to correct the problem, but complications led to his health deteriorating.

Mrs Kelly said: “During surgery he had a brain bleed which meant he couldn’t breathe for himself for three months. The part of his brain which controlled the back of his throat was damaged so basically his throat was paralysed.

“He couldn’t speak, eat or swallow and he had to have a tube in his throat.

“Eventually he started to eat and drink as well, and they will probably take the tube out by the end of the year. He’s nine years old, so he did understand what was going on.

“He’s such a laid-back child anyway, and took everything on the chin. He’s so brave it’s unbelievable.”

The star-studded event on Monday will also be attended by Emily Maitlis from BBC News, Peter Schmeichel, Penny Lancaster, and children’s TV presenters Lizo Mzimba and Dick and Dom.