Princess Firyal Irshaid alleges jewellery theft by housekeeper

A trial is underway at Southwark Crown Court regarding allegations that a housekeeper stole jewellery from the home of Princess Firyal Irshaid of Jordan. The Princess, 81, claims her collection was removed from her central London residence after she left the UK in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prosecutors allege that Maria Taborda Henao, 71, who had worked as the Princess’s housekeeper for 11 years, was the only person authorized to access the property during the Princess's absence. The stolen items reportedly include a bespoke sapphire and diamond ring, a ruby ring, and a pair of earrings. Evidence presented in court indicated that earrings valued at over £28,000 were sold at auction for only £400.

Taborda Henao denies the theft allegations. During her testimony, she stated she had worked as a cleaner for approximately 35 households since moving to Britain in the late 1980s.