'The Crown' Producers Appeal for Return of $200K of Props Stolen From Set

The producers of hit Netflix series The Crown have launched an appeal for the return of more than $200,000 worth of antiques that were stolen from the U.K. set.

Thieves last week targeted three vehicles when they broke into a lorry park in Mexborough, Yorkshire, as production was underway nearby. Over 350 items were taken, including a replica Fabergé egg, crystal glassware and gold candelabras.

"We can confirm the antiques have been stolen and we hope that they are found and returned safely," a spokesperson for Netflix told Variety in a statement. "Replacements will be sourced, there is no expectation that filming will be held up."

While the heist isn't expected to affect production on the hugely popular series, a dramatization of the British Royal family's lives, Netflix has shared descriptions of some of the stolen items should there be attempts to resell them.

A list shared with the Antiques Trade Gazette includes an 1897 Imperial Coronation coach egg by Fabergé, 12 sets of silver candelabras and seven gold candelabras, a clock face of a William IV grandfather clock (the longcase was left behind), Russian religious icons, a 10-piece silver dressing table set, and St. Louis gilt crystal glassware and decanters.

"The items stolen are not necessarily in the best condition and therefore of limited value for resale," Alison Harvey, The Crown's set decorator, told the Antiques Trade Gazette. "However, they are valuable as pieces to the U.K. film industry."

South Yorkshire Police said that "all existing lines of enquiry have been exhausted" in their probe into the theft.

A spokesperson for the police department told Variety: "Police were called at 4.30 p.m. on Wednesday 16 February following a report of theft from vehicles at Pastures Road, Doncaster.

"It is reported that three vehicles containing props used in film and TV were broken into and a number of items taken. Officers investigated the incident but all existing lines of enquiry have now been exhausted. The case has been filed pending any new lines of enquiry."

Following a two-year break, a fifth season of The Crown is scheduled to debut at the end of 2022 with an all-new cast, as the plot moves into the 1990s.

Imelda Staunton has taken over from Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II. The role was played in the first two seasons by Claire Foy.

Lesley Manville will portray Princess Margaret, taking the reins from Helena Bonham Carter, who herself had followed on from Vanessa Kirby.

Moving into the role of Diana, Princess of Wales, is Elizabeth Debicki. Emma Corrin won acclaim for her portrayal of the late mother of princess William and Harry.

Dominic West (Prince Charles), Olivia Williams (Camilla Parker Bowles), Jonathan Pryce (Prince Philip), and Jonny Lee Miller (John Major) are also among those joining the cast.

The series is expected to conclude after the airing of its sixth season.