Graham Smith, CEO of campaign group Republic, has reported Prince Charles and Michael Fawcett to the police, on suspicion of breaching the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925.

The report follows revelations over the weekend that honours were suspected of being offered and procured in return for donations to Prince Charles's charities.

It is a criminal offence to procure or offer to procure an honour in return for any favour or reward.

Graham Smith said today:

"Prince Charles has always taken personal credit for raising money for his charities and it was Prince Charles who awarded the honours at a private ceremony."

"It is unclear how Fawcett could personally procure an honour without the direct involvement of the prince, or how this arrangement could be made without the prince being aware of what was being promised."

"Perhaps there's a good explanation for all of this, but the evidence provided in the press over the weekend raises real suspicion about the Prince's conduct and that of his associates."

"I trust the Metropolitan Police to do the right thing, but I have said in my report that this must be given due attention without fear or favour and that the status, position and rank of those involved must in no way influence any decision to investigate."

"Failure to properly investigate these matters will damage public trust in the police, the royals and the honours system."

"Time and again the royals blame their staff or associates for their own mistakes. It is difficult to believe Charles wasn't aware of these arrangements or promises. It's time the royals were personally challenged over their conduct."