Housekeeper denies stealing princess's jewellery

A housekeeper is on trial at Southwark Crown Court accused of stealing custom-made diamond and sapphire jewellery from the Belgravia home of a Jordanian princess. Maria Virgelina Taborda Henao, 71, faces a charge of theft by an employee.

Prosecutor Oliver Wellings told the court that Taborda Henao allegedly stole "various items of jewellery," including a custom-made sapphire and diamond ring and a wedding ring, from her former employer Princess Firyal Irshaid. The alleged thefts occurred between June 2019 and November 2020.

Allegations of auction sales and transfers

The court heard that some of the items allegedly stolen were subsequently sold at auction by the defendant's nephew, Julian Ramirez. Mr Wellings described Mr Ramirez as a "key conduit for the sale of stolen property". Between June 23, 2019, and November 28, 2020, Mr Ramirez allegedly transferred £17,835 to Taborda Henao.

Princess Firyal Irshaid had left her London home in March 2020 to return to Jordan during the Covid-19 pandemic. Taborda Henao, who had served as the princess's housekeeper for 11 years, was reportedly the only person with access to the princess's belongings during her absence.

Discovery of missing items

On November 21, 2020, Princess Firyal was informed by a friend, a partner at jeweller JAR, that two pieces of jewellery were being offered for auction in England. The prosecution stated that the princess identified a "unique" JAR sapphire and diamond ring, which had been custom-made, among items listed for sale at Canterbury Auction Galleries. She subsequently identified further items of her jewellery that were for sale or had already been sold since 2020.

Following a police investigation, the princess's wedding ring was discovered in a coat pocket during a search of Taborda Henao's home. Earrings were also found in an envelope, and a jewelled metal necklace was located in a kitchen cupboard. Upon returning to London in May 2021, Princess Firyal reported that much of her jewellery was missing.

The court also heard that a safe in a cloakroom near the entrance hallway showed signs of tampering. The combination lock would not open it, and a backup key was also unsuccessful. Items inside the safe appeared to have been disturbed.

Mr Ramirez is believed to have left the UK for Colombia in October 2023 and has not returned. Taborda Henao, who resides in Hammersmith and Fulham, denies the charge of theft by an employee. The trial is continuing.