Local anti-monarchy activists have protested Charles's visit to Middlesbrough today. 
 
The protests, organised by local Republic activists, reflect the growing anti-monarchy sentiment across the country, especially in the North East.
 
Republic has criticised Teesside University for spending tens of thousands of pounds on the visit, despite announcing staff cuts just two months ago.
 
Speaking for Republic, Graham Smith said:
 
"Wherever the royals go they end up costing taxpayers tens of thousands of pounds."
 
"Charles's visit today is just more royal PR, a brief visit that royalists will insist shows they work hard."
 
"The university, schools, local council and local police will all face huge bills for this visit."
 
"This is at a time when local services are facing cuts and local people will see their taxes go up."
 
"The university is said to be paying a substantial sum for the visit, just two months after announcing staff cuts."
 
"An estimated 1 in 3 children in the North East is living in poverty, while Charles insists local people pay for his pointless PR trip."
 
"That's why local campaigners took action today, protesting against a lavish royal visit funded by taxpayers and university fees which locals neither have a say in, or benefit from."
 
PHOTOS and VIDEOS of the protest are available here.