A laptop owned by the Duchess of York and thought to contain hundreds of personal photographs has been stolen from a film studio.

The computer was taken during a burglary at Black Cat Sound and Vision, in High Street, Potters Bar, last Thursday.

Thieves broke into one of the studios through a rear door and stole “loose items” that were stored in the room, according to a member of staff, who didn’t want to be named.

The haul included high definition cameras and equipment that was being used by the company for on going projects, as well as the Duchess’ laptop.

It is thought she had given the computer to an aide, who left it at the studio so the pictures could be downloaded and archived.

The missing computer is believed to contain hundreds of pictures of family members, including daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, as well as her ex-husband, Andrew, Duke of York.

The staff member claimed it’s not the first time the studio had been targeted by thieves, and said police were looking through CCTV footage from the premises.

“I would suggest it’s someone who has done it non-specifically,” he added.

“They saw us as a building but not known what things we had inside to steal. We have lost personal things and equipment that we can’t get back.”

A spokesman for Hertfordshire Police said officers were called at 9.40 last Thursday to reports of a burglary.

He added: “Officers are investigating the break-in at Black Cat video where it is believed film and computer equipment were taken.

“Inquiries are ongoing at this time.”

A spokesman for the Duchess of York declined to comment.