MPs are set to launch another investigation into the royal finances.

The Commons public accounts committee fears that the public might not be getting value for money because of waste and poor management of estates.

The inquiry will examine the Duchies of Cornwall and Lancaster, which provide incomes for Prince Charles and the Queen.

Ian Davidson, a Labour MP who sits on the committee, said: "We are trying to get a better bang for the buck by making sure that public expenditure is done properly."