Housekeeper denies stealing Princess Firyal's jewellery

A housekeeper accused of stealing jewellery from Princess Firyal Irshaid's Belgravia residence has told Southwark Crown Court she was frequently accused of theft by the royal. Maria Virgelina Taborda Henao, 71, denies theft by employee. The trial heard that prosecutors allege she exploited her trusted position to steal items from the princess's collection after being left in charge of the property in 2020.

Accusations of theft

Giving evidence through a Spanish interpreter, Taborda Henao stated that relations between household staff and Princess Firyal could be strained. When questioned by her barrister, Manveer Cheema, about tensions, she said the princess had called her a thief. Taborda Henao told the court she felt bad when accused and denied being a thief. She also stated that these accusations were not limited to her, adding that the princess made similar allegations against other members of staff, saying, "She used to tell all of us the same thing."

Discovery of missing items

Princess Firyal, who is 81, left Britain during the Covid pandemic. The court heard that she later became aware of alleged thefts when a friend saw her engagement ring featured in an auction catalogue. The princess told jurors the friend asked if she was selling her jewellery, to which she responded negatively. The ring, specially made for her engagement, had appeared on the catalogue's front cover. Officers searching Taborda Henao's home in Fulham recovered a wedding ring, earrings, and a jewelled necklace that are said to belong to Princess Firyal.

Allegations of onward sale

Prosecutors allege that Taborda Henao's nephew, Julian Ramirez, acted as a key intermediary in selling stolen items. The court was informed that £17,835 was transferred to Taborda Henao between June 2019 and November 2020. Ramirez is believed to have travelled to Colombia while on police bail in 2023. Taborda Henao maintained that she was unaware of any of the princess's possessions being stolen or sold and denied any involvement in the alleged offences. Taborda Henao, also known as Lina, had worked as Princess Firyal's housekeeper for 11 years. The trial is ongoing.