Princess Firyal Claims Housekeeper Stole Jewellery Found at Auction

Princess Firyal Irshaid, 81, has told a court that her former housekeeper stole a significant amount of her jewelry, which was subsequently discovered for sale at an auction house. The princess reported that she learned of the theft when her engagement ring appeared on the cover of an auction catalog.

According to the princess, she left her London home in March 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, shortly before airports began to close. She stated that her housekeeper of 11 years, Taborda Henao, also known as Lina, was the only staff member left to look after the Belgravia residence. Henao is accused of stealing various items of jewelry during this period.

Princess Firyal recounted receiving a call from a friend in November 2020, who had seen her engagement ring featured in a catalog from Canterbury Auction Galleries. Pierre Jeannet, a partner at the jewelry firm JAR that had crafted the ring, also contacted the princess to inquire if she was selling it. The princess told the court that she was unaware of any sale and confirmed that the ring was custom-made for her engagement and was unique.

Following the initial discovery, Princess Firyal obtained catalogs from several past sales and found more of her property had been sold. She stated that she approached the auction house to identify the items as her own but described the managing director as dismissive. To prove ownership, the princess utilized documents from Jordan, including bills of sale, catalog images, and photographs of her wearing some of the stolen pieces.

Jurors were informed that Henao's nephew, Julian Ramirez, allegedly acted as a key intermediary for the sale of stolen items, transferring approximately £17,835 to Henao between June 2019 and November 2020. The court heard that the princess had permitted Henao's sister to move into the property during the early stages of the pandemic and agreed to pay her a salary, which she later found unusual. This sister reportedly left the residence later in 2020 due to illness.

During a search of Henao's home in Fulham, police reportedly found the princess's wedding ring, a pair of earrings, and a jeweled metal necklace. Ramirez is believed to have left the UK for Colombia in October 2023 while on police bail. Henao denies the charge of theft by employee, and the trial is ongoing.