The royals face fresh scrutiny over their use of public property this week. Billboards are appearing across the country from today, calling for an end to William and Charles's profiteering from Duchy land.

The billboards, part of a campaign by the anti-monarchy group Republic, proclaim that "You own this land. They take the profits" and call for an end to the 'Royal Scam' of Duchy profiteering.

The launch of the campaign follows Republic's response to the Prince Andrew scandal over recent weeks. The group announced plans to launch a private prosecution of the former prince.

Republic has already crowdfunded more than £18,000 for legal costs.

The Andrew scandal has thrown a spotlight on royal exploitation of public property for personal use.

Like Windsor Great Park, the Duchies are Crown property and therefore state property. Earlier this year Republic published a report setting out the evidence of public ownership of the Duchies.

The Duchies pay Charles and William personal incomes of £27m and £23m respectively.

Speaking for Republic, Graham Smith said today:

"Thanks to Andrew royal use of public homes and estates has been receiving a lot more attention. Now is the time to turn that attention to the Duchies."

"There is no justification for allowing William to rake in a private income of more than £23m a year from the Duchy of Cornwall. Why do we allow Charles to profit from public lands managed by the Duchy of Lancaster?"

"The evidence is clear, the duchies belong to the state. The profits should be spent on local communities and public services, not handed over to a couple of billionaires."

"Last year's Dispatches documentary highlighted the scandal of Duchy tenancies and charging of charities and public services. These billboards are going up in key areas that have been impacted by the duchies."

"Billboards are being put up on and near Duchy land in Exeter, Liverpool, London and Lancaster, with more to follow."

"A lot of Duchy income comes from deprived communities struggling with cuts to services and the cost of living crisis. That's where the money should be spent."

"It's time to end this royal scam. It's time to ditch the Duchies."

Photos and a full list of billboard locations are available here.

The Ditch the Duchies report is here.