Colombian Cleaner Accused of Stealing £180,000 in Jewelry from Jordanian Princess

A Jordanian princess told a court that her cleaner was constantly present and "hovering around" when she packed her luggage, during proceedings where the cleaner is accused of stealing approximately £180,000 worth of jewelry. Princess Firyal of Jordan alleges that Maria Taborda Henao, 71, took diamond rings, bracelets, watches, and earrings from her £6 million home in Belgravia in 2020.

The items in question include a Cartier brooch, diamond and ruby pearl earrings, a solitaire diamond, and the princess's engagement ring. Princess Firyal, 80, provided her testimony at Southwark Crown Court, describing Taborda Henao, also known as Lina, as being in the house with her sister in March 2020 while the princess was in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During cross-examination by Taborda Henao's defense barrister, Manveer Cheema, Princess Firyal acknowledged that she often travels with more than 20 suitcases. She stated, "Lina offered to help with packing, she was hovering around, in hindsight to see what leaves the house." When asked about the packing process, the princess clarified that while she did the majority of the work, "Lina chipped in, she didn't do it alone, it wasn't her main job, she came and offered to help."

Princess Firyal also testified that Taborda Henao was assigned only light duties due to arthritis in her hands. "She was a woman around the house which I wanted and needed," the princess said. She indicated that Taborda Henao did not perform extensive cleaning duties, as other staff were employed for the large house. "Over time she was suffering with her hands, I bought her medical gloves from America so she could work, she was doing less and less," Princess Firyal added.

When asked to pinpoint when she first noticed items missing, the princess estimated "two years or so," explaining that she had noticed items missing before 2020 but had initially assumed she had misplaced them in one of her other residences in cities like Jordan, Miami, or Paris. "I had zero suspicion sir, if I had I would have packed my jewellery before I went to Jordan [in 2020], I left it all wide open," she told the court.

Princess Firyal emphasized her position as the victim, stating, "To my intentions there is no reason for me not to tell the truth, I am not the guilty one, I am the victim." She described her trust in Taborda Henao as a factor that led to the situation, saying, "I liked her and trusted her, if I had not trusted her I would never be in this position, it's my naivity that put me in this position."

Regarding her overall jewelry collection, Princess Firyal described it as "a lot," noting that some pieces were not meant for regular wear and were reserved for very special occasions. She also commented on staff turnover, stating that employees would leave if unhappy or be dismissed if their performance became problematic.

Taborda Henao, from Fulham, denies theft. The court heard that her nephew, Julian Ramirez, 43, allegedly sold the stolen items. Ramirez reportedly skipped bail and is believed to have returned to Colombia. It is claimed that he transferred just under £18,000 of the proceeds to Henao. The trial is ongoing.