Prince Charles has warned that Britain was suffering from an "apparent rise in antisemitism, along with other poisonous and debilitating forms of intolerance", according to . He made the comments in a speech that praised the work of Lord Sacks, the outgoing chief rabbi, in promoting tolerance.

Charles said: "Running throughout your time as chief rabbi has been that all-important principle of which this country has long been an exponent – the principle of tolerance.

"I sometimes fear not enough recognition is given to the role of the faith communities in the life of our country in promoting such a critical principle, and I join with you, in mounting anxiety, at the apparent rise in antisemitism, along with other poisonous and debilitating forms of intolerance."

During his speech at the Grosvenor House hotel in central London, the prince said both he and Sacks had reached the official age of retirement, and joked: "I do hope yours is going to be a bit more realistic than mine."

Recorded tributes from David Cameron and some of his predecessors in No 10 were played on a large screen at the tribute dinner. The archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, praised his "phenomenal contribution" to public life.

In his speech Sacks was due to describe his 22 years as chief rabbi as the most exciting and fulfilling of his life. But he was also expected to issue a warning over the number of Jews who do not have a Jewish marriage, and the growth of so-called ultra-orthodoxy.