The Metropolitan Police Service has launched an investigation into the Dumfries House-based charity, The Prince's Foundation.

The probe comes after anti-monarchist campaigners Republic reported the Prince of Wales' charity to the police last year over "cash for honours" allegations.

It's alleged that former royal valet Michael Fawcett, chief executive of The Prince's Foundation, promised to help secure a knighthood and British citizenship for a Saudi billionaire donor.

Graham Smith, chief executive of Republic, which campaigns for an elected head of state, contacted the Metropolitan Police and reported both the Prince and Mr Fawcett on suspicion of breaching the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925.

Read more: Republic reports Charles and close aide to police over cash-for-honours claims

Scotland Yard said in a statement: “The Metropolitan Police Service has launched an investigation into allegations of offences under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925.

“The decision follows an assessment of a September 2021 letter. This related to media reporting alleging offers of help were made to secure honours and citizenship for a Saudi national.

“The Special Enquiry Team has conducted the assessment process which has included contacting those believed to hold relevant information.

“Officers liaised with The Prince’s Foundation about the findings of an independent investigation into fundraising practices. The Foundation provided a number of relevant documents.

“These documents were reviewed alongside existing information. The assessment determined an investigation will commence.

Read more: Claims money for Dumfries House-based Prince’s Foundation ‘went to other charity’

“There have been no arrests or interviews under caution.”

In November last year the Charity Commission launched their own enquiry into into allegations that donations intended for the Prince of Wales’ Prince’s Foundation, headquartered at Dumfries House, went to another charity instead.

That led to the resignation of Mr Fawcett.

When asked to comment on the news of the Met's investigation, a spokesperson for The Prince's Foundation said: "It would be inappropriate to comment on an ongoing investigation."