A former official harpist to the Prince of Wales stole a hoard of electrical goods and cash while fighting a drug addiction, a court heard yesterday.
Jemima Phillips, a graduate of the Royal College of Music who played at Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall's wedding, allegedly burgled houses across the Coleford area of Gloucestershire in May.
Opening the trial yesterday, prosecutor Martin Steen told Gloucester Crown Court the 28-year-old helped co-defendant William Davies, 41, burgle the homes.
Ms Phillips, from Lydney, Gloucestershire, and Mr Davies, from Cheltenham, both deny four counts of burglary.
She also denies one count of handling stolen goods.
Mr Steen told the jury Mr Davies has admitted five counts of handling stolen goods.
He said Ms Phillips previously admitted one count of fraud by trying to use a stolen building society book at a branch of Nationwide in Monmouth.
But Mr Steen said Ms Phillips falsely claimed to police she did this after a friend of Mr Davies threatened to go to the press and reveal her addiction.
Mr Steen said: "This case may attract some publicity. The reason for this is she is a remarkably talented harpist. She has played in a number of locations and was selected for the wedding of His Royal Highness Prince Charles' wedding."
He added: "Mr Davies and Miss Phillips have had problems with drugs. They are both recovering addicts." Mr Steen told the jury Ms Phillips and Mr Davies burgled four homes between May 22 and May 28.
The first saw a shoulder bag, wallet and bank cards taken from a house in Oaklands, Coleford, Mr Steen said.
Two days later, a guitar, cash, driving documents, bank cards and a computer were taken from a house in Church Road, Lydney.
The following day a wallet, cards and two mobile phones were taken from a house in Hampshire Gardens in Coleford.
Finally, on May 28, a television, camera, two laptops and a wallet and cards were taken from a house in Milkwall, near Coleford.
Mr Steen told the jury Ms Phillips assisted with the four burglaries.
The trial continues.