Prince Charles has warned that "hatred and intolerance still lurk in the human heart" as he addressed world leaders at an event in Israel marking 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz.

Charles described the extermination of six million Jewish people during the Second World War as a "universal human tragedy" affecting all, not just the families of those killed by the Nazi regime.

The heir to the throne was speaking during the World Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem and told guests - who included Russian President Vladimir Putin and French leader Emmanuel Macron - that the story of "incomprehensible humanity" must not be forgotten.

Image: Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron were among the guests at the event

Polish President Andrzej Duda had refused to attend, complaining he had not been allowed to deliver an address, whereas Mr Putin and other leaders were given speeches.

In his speech at the event, which commemorated Allied Forces entering the Auschwitz concentration camp in January 1945, Charles said the "lessons of the Holocaust are searingly relevant to this day".


He added: "Hatred and intolerance still lurk in the human heart, still tell new lies, adopt new disguises, and still seek new victims.

"All too often, language is used which turns disagreement into dehumanisation.

"Words are used as badges of shame to mark others as enemies, to brand those who are different as somehow deviant.

"All too often, virtue seems to be sought through verbal violence.

Image: Charles said the 'lessons of the Holocaust are searingly relevant to this day'

"All too often, real violence ensues, and acts of unspeakable cruelty are still perpetrated around the world against people for reasons of their religion, their race or their beliefs.

"Knowing, as we do, the darkness to which such behaviour leads, we must be vigilant in discerning these ever-changing threats; we must be fearless in confronting falsehoods and resolute in resisting words and acts of violence."

Meanwhile, Clarence House denied claims that Charles snubbed US Vice President Mike Pence during the event to mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

No handshake for Pence from Charles

Footage showed the prince talking to one dignitary then moving past Mr Pence and his wife Karen, before stopping to talk to the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

A Clarence House spokeswoman said Charles and Mr Pence had earlier had a "warm and friendly" chat "which is why they did not greet each other again in the room".

Earlier in the day, on his first official tour to Israel, Charles met Israeli President Reuven Rivlin at his official residence in Jerusalem.

Mr Rivlin told the royal he "deeply appreciates" his attendance at the World Holocaust Forum gathering, which was also aimed at fighting racism and fascism.

Image: Charles met Israeli President Reuven Rivlin

The Israeli president said: "It starts with the Jewish people but we never know where it ends. Everyone needs to be very careful."

He also told Prince Charles "we still expect your mother to come", as the Queen's eldest son began his first official tour of Israel.

It is the highest-level royal visit since the creation of the state of Israel.

Prince William was the first royal to make an official visit when he made a trip to Israel and Palestinian territories in 2018.

The Queen has never made an official visit to Israel or the Palestinian territories.