Housekeeper cleared of stealing princess's jewels

A housekeeper who worked for Princess Firyal Irshaid for 11 years has been acquitted of theft by employee. Maria Virgelina Taborda Henao, 71, was accused of stealing jewellery from the princess's Belgravia property while she was away from the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic. Jurors at Southwark Crown Court found Ms Taborda Henao not guilty.

Police discovered some of the princess's jewellery during a search of Ms Taborda Henao's home in Fulham. Items found included the princess's wedding ring, a pair of earrings, and a jewelled metal necklace. Ms Taborda Henao, who also goes by the name Lina, stated through a Spanish interpreter that she did not know any stolen items were being sold and denied any involvement in their disappearance.

Nephew's Financial Links

The court heard that Ms Taborda Henao's nephew, Julian Ramirez, acted as a key intermediary in the sale of stolen property. Between June 2019 and November 2020, Mr Ramirez transferred £17,835 to Ms Taborda Henao. Mr Ramirez is believed to have left the UK for Colombia in October 2023 while he was on police bail.

Princess Firyal Irshaid, 81, told the court that a friend, Pierre Jeannet of luxury jeweller JAR, contacted her on 21 November 2020. Mr Jeannet informed her that her engagement ring, specially made for her, was featured on the cover of an auction house catalogue. The princess stated she was not selling her jewellery.

During the pandemic's early stages, the princess had allowed Ms Taborda Henao's sister, who is Mr Ramirez's mother, to reside at the Belgravia property. She later agreed to pay her a salary. Ms Taborda Henao testified that staff found relationships with the princess difficult and that the princess sometimes accused staff of theft before changing her mind.