Prince Michael of Kent was shown a book of Biblical commentary printed in 16th Century venice during a visit to the Sternberg Centre on Tuesday.

Prince Michael spent around an hour-and-a-half at the centre in East End Road, Finchley, on Tuesday (May 4), where he planted a magnolia stellata tree to mark his visit.

He also chatted with the centre's life president, Sir Sigmund Sternberg, and director Rabbi Tony Bayfield, as well as ambassadors from Georgia and Yemen and diplomats from the Philippines and Tunisia.

Lauren Rich, fundraising administrator at the centre, which is the headquarters for the Reform Synagogues of Great Britain, said: "It went really well. It started raining just after he planted the tree so we had a bit of luck.

"He seemed very nice. He enjoyed lunch and made a speech saying, Thank you very much.' I think he enjoyed himself."

Prince Michael is a first cousin of the Queen, being the son of Prince George, brother of King George VI.