The 244pp bumber issue (up from an average 116pp) will be published on 13 November, the day before Prince Charles' 65th birthday, and will be the first national publication to have been guest edited by The Prince.

It features a 250gsm silk cover stock, instead of its usual 200gsm wood free coated, with additional spot UV varnishing, gold foil blocking and embossing.

The cover was produced by Ipswich-based Ancient House Press (AHP) while the body copy was printed and bound by Polestar Chantry in Wakefield.

A spokeswoman for IPC Media confirmed that the print run had been increased for the commemorative issue, but could not release specific details of the run length. Country Life's average circulation was 38,246 in 2012.

Producing the issue was an eight month project involving meetings with HRH The Prince of Wales and his designated team.

In addition to writing the leader, HRH The Prince of Wales oversaw the content for the issue, including selecting contributors, suggesting features and contributing to reader favourites.

The magazine includes an exclusive feature on the garden at Birkhall - The Prince's Scottish residence on the Balmoral Estate - written by Alan Titchmarsh, and on The Prince's home in Wales, as well as HRH's views on art, books, food and the countryside charities he supports.

The Prince also commissioned an architect from his Foundation for Building Community to design a solution to deliver affordable rural housing.

Mark Hedges, editor of Country Life, said: "The commemorative edition is a unique record of The Prince's love of the countryside and his commitment to preserving its way of life.

"Since it's launch in 1897, Country Life has been privileged to be given access to the Royal Family at times of national celebrations and we are delighted that the Prince allowed us to mark his 65th birthday by guest editing Country Life - a present to share with the entire nation."