Prince Edward made history when he became the first member of the royal family to open a new synagogue on Tuesday.

He was guest of honour at a ceremony to mark the reopening of Maidenhead’s newly rebuilt synagogue, which also serves the Slough and Windsor area.

The new building was needed to accommodate both the growth in membership and activities within the Jewish community.

It now hosts various local charities including a Post Natal Depression group, Cruse Bereavement care, an arts circle and lunches for the homeless.

The Prince was greeted by Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain who took him on a tour to meet some of the groups that operate within the building, ranging from members of the playgroup to those who cater for the Friendship Club.

In recent years the synagogue has re-positioned itself from being a Prayer Hall to being a community centre, attracting many who do not attend services but who still enjoy participating in social and cultural life. The result is that Maidenhead has become the largest non-metropolitan synagogue in the country.

Among the other guests were sikh leader Karnail Pannu, muslim leader Saghir Ahmed and Reverend Sally Lynch from St Luke's Church.

Mr Romain said he was delighted with Edward's visit.

He said: "I thought he would unveil the plaque but he did much more.

He is very natural, a people person. His presence created an enormous buzz, people were very excited.

"Something like this is so important to people who work for the community but do not get honours or publicity."