Prince Charles used a speech at World Jewish Relief’s charity dinner to issue what has been seen as a thinly-veiled attack on Donald Trump, the new American President.

Speaking at London's Guildhall in front of around 800 people, the Prince of Wales, a patron of the charity, said that he had been drawn to the organisation because it was able to “help people in need, regardless of faith.” He added: "In reaching beyond your community you set an example to us all of true compassion and friendship."

However, the Prince  continued: "The horrific lessons of the last war seem to be in increasing danger of being forgotten."

“I have always thought that our own particular Faith is something that empowers and liberates us, not something that constrains us.

“That is why, in my own life, I have always tried to reach across the boundaries of faith and community; to extend a helping hand wherever one might be needed. This was probably ingrained in me at an early age.”

Speaking at the same event, the Chief Rabbi also attacked President Trump's executive order, branding the policy as "unacceptable." His intervention was loudly applauded by the  audience at London's Guildhall.

Chief Rabbi Mirvis said: "There are millions of refugees receiving no hope from countries closing their borders and not much hope from the United States of America, of all countries.

"President Trump has signed an executive order that seeks to discriminate against people based totally on their religion and nationality.

"We as Jews more than others know what it's like to be victims of discrimination.

"This is totally unacceptable."

He added:" In the Jewish religion when it comes to acts of kindness and benevolence we recognise no borders.

"Wherever or she might be they are counted as what we call mishpacha - they are all part of our global family.

"They are members of the global family who should be there to give hope.

"Isn't that exactly what happened to us in the darkest times of our suffering when 10000 children were living in Germany Austria and Czechoslovakia?

"In 1938-39 they received that glimmer of hope when Britain opened doors to them via Kindertransport.

"Isn't that what the refuseniks from the former union experienced with the campaign throughout the world for their safety?"

The Prince used his speech to highlight his many years working with WJR, including a visit to Krakow in 2008, where he opened a centre for the elderly Jewish population. He spoke of how faith "empowers and liberate us."

Praising Ben Helfgott, a Buchenwald survivor, he added :"He has showed extraordinary grace and strength."

The event, which included Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Howard Jacobson among the guests, was hosted by BBC Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis.