The fully functioning lavatory, dubbed “America”, was stolen from the palace located in Woodstock, near Oxford.

The convenience had been one of the star attractions of an exhibition by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan at the 18th-century stately home which is the birthplace of UK’s former prime minister Winston Churchill.

During the hearing, the three accused pleaded not guilty to stealing the lavatory on September 14, 2019.

Another suspect was not asked to enter a plea over his charge of conspiracy to transfer criminal property.

It is pertinent to mention that visitors to the exhibition at the Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were able to book slots to use the precious metal toilet only for three minutes at a time.

British police said thieves had broken into Blenheim Palace during closing time and made off with the toilet, ripping it from its plumbing and causing “significant damage and flooding”.