Since 1941 it has lain silently on the ocean floor, a solemn war grave marking a Second World War tragedy.

The wreck of the HMS Prince of Wales, which went down with 327 crew and the highest ranking Allied officer to be killed in action in the war, is being quietly protected for the Queen by volunteer British divers and the goodwill of the Malaysian Navy, it has emerged.

The Prince of Wales has delivered his personal thanks to volunteers who have helped to protect the wreck from "awful" looters, who aim to strip the ship of scrap metal owned by the Crown.

The Prince, who visited the air base at Butterworth in Pengang, Malaysia, said their work in preventing the ship being damaged was “marvellous” and “so appreciated”.

He is the first member of the Royal Family to thank Malaysian servicemen for their efforts, delivering a signed photograph of HMS Prince of Wales in 1941 with its crew to them as a gift.