Painter Pleads Guilty to Stealing Luxury Watches Valued at £42,000 from the King’s godson

In a surprising turn of events, a painter and decorator has confessed to stealing luxury watches worth a total of £42,000 from the godson of King Charles III, Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster. The theft occurred while the workman secretly entered the Duke’s bedroom, which was not part of the scheduled redecoration at Eaton Hall, Cheshire.

The stolen items included a £30,000 Cartier London Tank JC wristwatch, a £6,000 Panerai Luminor Marina watch, and a £6,000 Breitling watch. The Duke, who is also the godfather to Prince George, noticed the watches missing while searching for his Cartier watch.

The case came to light after two men were apprehended and charged in connection with the burglary. Matthew Turner, 24, from Great Sutton, pleaded guilty to the burglary and another unrelated theft. He awaits sentencing at Chester Crown Court. Meanwhile, Nathan Elliot, 30, from Whitby, has been charged with handling the stolen Cartier but has pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutor Scott Woodward highlighted the significance of the burglary, citing the high value of the stolen items. Turner’s lawyer, Steven Alis, acknowledged the severity of the crime. Turner has been granted bail pending further proceedings and the outcome of Elliott’s trial.