Housekeeper cleared of stealing Jordanian princess's jewels after two hours of jury deliberation

Maria Virgelina Taborda Henao, 71, smiled as Southwark Crown Court jurors unanimously acquitted her of stealing jewellery — including a bespoke sapphire and diamond engagement ring — from Princess Firyal Irshaid's Belgravia home. The Colombian housekeeper, who worked for Princess Firyal for over a decade, was accused of using her access to the property to pocket high-end pieces while the 81-year-old princess was stranded in Jordan during the Covid-19 pandemic. The theft only came to light after a Paris jeweller called the princess to say one of her bespoke pieces had appeared in an English auction catalogue.

Police found the princess's wedding ring, earrings and a jewelled necklace during a search of Taborda Henao's Fulham home — but jurors still acquitted her.

The princess's nephew Julian Ramirez, described by prosecutors as a 'key conduit' who transferred £17,835 to Taborda Henao, has since fled to Colombia.

Staff told the court relationships with Princess Firyal were 'very hard' and that she had previously accused workers of being thieves before later calming down.