Thieves have stolen an estimated $200,000 worth of antique props from the set ofNetflix’s successful historical drama seriesThe Crown. The theft reportedly occurred while production was shooting in Mexborough, South Yorkshire.
The thieves broke into three cars in a truck parking lot while a unit was filmingNetflix’s fifthseason ofThe Crownand took more than 350 items —including a dressing table, a grandfather clock clockface, a replica Fabergé egg, crystal glassware, and silver and gold candelabras. South Yorkshire Police are investigating the incident.
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Per Variety, a spokesperson for South Yorkshire police stated that law enforcement was “called at 4.30pm on Wednesday 16 February following a report of theft from vehicles at Pastures Road, Doncaster.” The source added, “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.” While Netflix confirmed the robbery and issued a plea to help recover the stolen goods,production onThe Crownwill not be affected by the incident. “We can confirm the antiques have been stolen and we hope that they are found and returned safely,” a studio spokesperson told Variety of the robbery. “Replacements will be sourced, there is no expectation that filming will be held up.”
Premiering in 2016,The Crownis centered around the British monarchy, particularly onthe decades-long reign of Queen Elizabeth II(played by Claire Foy and later Olivia Colman). The first season portrays events up to 1955, showcasing the Queen’s sister Princess Margaret deciding not to marry and Winston Churchill stepping down as Prime Minister. The second season begins in 1956 with the Suez Crisis and ends with the birth of Prince Edward in 1964. The third season covers 1964 to 1977, ending with the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, while season 4 is set during Margaret Thatcher’s period as Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990, and also focused on a young Lady Diana Spencer.
Since its release,The Crownhas captivated audiences worldwide with its faithful depiction of major historical events during the 20th century, though it also sparked controversy with some of the creative freedoms it took regarding a fewplot points inThe Crownseason four. The show’s fifth season is expected to arrive in 2022, likely covering the majority of the ’90s, including Lady Diana’s tragic death in 1997.
