Board of Deputies president Jonathan Arkush has condemned criticism of the Queen after a film of her giving a Nazi salute was revealed.

During a Board plenary on Sunday, Mr Arkush also spoke of the Royal Family's warm relations with the Jewish community.

To strong applause from the hundreds of deputies, he said: "I don't think any criticism of a seven-year-old child would be remotely appropriate and I don't intend to make any.

"It's really important for us not to judge this event with hindsight. Obviously the Nazi salute now carries horrible memories and bitterness for us, but I do not think for one moment that it would be appropriate for me to suggest that the full horror of Nazi Germany was known at that point."

Mr Arkush said the royals had always valued the Jewish community, reminding delegates that "Her Majesty has met Holocaust survivors on many occasions.

"In the last month she visited the death camp at Bergen-Belsen and paid homage to the victims of the Shoah. I would like to say the overwhelming view of the Jewish community towards the royal family is of respect, affection and loyalty, and we are proud of them. "

In a black and white film obtained by the Sun, the seven-year-old future Queen and her mother are seen raising their rights arms to perform the Heil Hitler salute.

The 17-second clip ends with the Queen's mother and future King Edward saluting.

In pictures: The Queen's visit to Germany and Bergen-Belsen