Understand
Belgravia housekeeper stole princess's jewels, court told
Overview
A 71-year-old housekeeper, Maria Virgelina Taborda Henao, is on trial at Southwark Crown Court accused of stealing valuable jewellery, including a custom sapphire and diamond ring, from the Belgravia home of her former employer, Jordanian Princess Firyal Irshaid. The prosecution alleges that some of the stolen items were sold at auction by the defendant's nephew, Julian Ramirez, generating thousands of pounds. Taborda Henao denies the charge of theft by an employee, and the trial continues.
Key points
- Maria Virgelina Taborda Henao denies stealing jewellery from Princess Firyal Irshaid's central London home.
- The prosecution alleges the thefts occurred on or before 26 November 2020 while the princess was away from London.
- The princess discovered the theft after being alerted by a jeweller that her custom sapphire and diamond ring was being auctioned.
- Police searched the defendant's home and recovered items including the princess's wedding ring, a necklace, and earrings.
- The defendant's nephew, Julian Ramirez, allegedly sold items at Canterbury Auction Galleries and transferred money to his aunt.
- Ramirez was arrested, released on bail, and is believed to have flown to Colombia in October 2023 without returning.