Campaigners have called on the government to abolish the Duchies of Cornwall and Lancaster, and bring their assets and income under direct state ownership.

The call comes after a Dispatches, Sunday Times and Mirror investigation into the huge profits made at the expense of charities and public services, and the shocking standard of Duchy of Cornwall rental properties.

The Duchies are not the private property of Charles and William, as the royals imply, but are Crown assets belonging to the state.

Details of the ownership of the two Duchies were set out in Republic's Half a Billion Pound Royals report published in September.

Speaking for Republic, Graham Smith said today:

"The Dispatches investigation shows how the Duchies are doggedly pursuing profit at every turn, at huge expense to the public and charities."

"The Duchies are not private property, they are state assets. Parliament allowed the royals to maintain control over these estates when other land was surrendered three centuries ago. It's time parliament abandoned that arrangement."

"There is no possible justification for allowing William and Charles to control the Duchies and take the profits, while avoiding taxes and facing accusations of neglecting tenants."

"Why is the government paying Charles and William for the use of state land? Why is the taxpayer effectively paying Charles and William over £23m a year each?"

"There needs to be a full inquiry and disclosure on the Duchies, we need all the records laid out for everyone to see, we need to ensure all their assets are returned to the state, so money can be saved and profits can be spent on local communities."

"It is particularly shocking that William, who claims to care about homelessness, has been accused of being a rogue landlord who leaves private tenants in fuel poverty and living in substandard homes."

"The solution is quite simple, abolish the Duchies."

Republic's Half a Billion Pound Royals report can be found here: https://www.republic.org.uk/royals_cost_over_half_a_billion_pounds_a_year_new_report