The Archbishop of Canterbury has been diagnosed with pneumonia after being forced to pull out of his Christmas Day sermon through illness, Lambeth Palace said.

The Most Rev Justin Welby missed the annual Canterbury Cathedral service after being unwell for a several days with what was thought at the time to be a “severe cold”.

But Lambeth Palace tweeted today: “Just to confirm the Archbishop of Canterbury @JustinWelby has pneumonia & is resting at home. Thanks for all your prayers & good wishes.”