Cleaner, 69, denies stealing £188k of watches, earrings and diamond rings from Jordanian princess at her £6million Belgravia residence
A Colombian cleaner today denied stealing gems worth £188,000 from a Jordanian princess while left alone at her luxury home during the pandemic.
Maria Taborda Henao, 69, allegedly swiped diamond rings, bracelets, watches and earrings while working for the Princess Firyal of Jordan at her £6million Belgravia property in 2020.
Taborda Henao is said to have stolen the jewellery belonging to the 80-year-old princess before nephew Julian Ramirez, 37, allegedly sold them on.
Ramirez was due to appear at Southwark Crown Court alongside Henao but was not present and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Leila Bibi Nahaboo-Osman, prosecuting, told an earlier hearing: ‘The complainant had a house in London where the defendant was employed as a housekeeper.
‘The complainant travelled to Jordan during the pandemic, leaving the defendant in the property.
‘There was approximately £188,000 of sentimental and historic jewellery. These items were stolen.’
Ms Nahaboo-Osman said the princess was contacted by a high-end jeweller in Paris.
Maria Taborda Henao, 69, allegedly swiped diamond rings, bracelets, watches and earrings while working for the Princess Firyal of Jordan (pictured) at her £6m Belgravia property in 2020.
‘The complainant became aware that her sapphire and diamond ring was being listed for auction without her consent.’
The auction website showed a large number of jewellery belonging to the princess, the court heard.
Henao had worked for Princess Firyal for 11 years.
‘This was a breach of high trust and responsibility by a long term employee,’ said Ms Nahaboo-Osman.
Henao, of Eternit Walk, Fulham, appeared in court wearing a green check shirt and jeans.
She spoke to confirm her name, aided by a Spanish interpreter, before denying theft by an employee.
She was bailed ahead of a five day trial at Southwark Crown Court on 6 October 2026.
Princess Firyal is the former wife of Prince Muhammad bin Talal, the second son of the late King Talal of Jordan.
Born in Jerusalem in 1945, Princess Firyal (pictured in 1997) grew up as the daughter of Farid Mahmoud Irshaid, a political leader who served in the government and as a parliamentarian in the Senate in Jordan
The humanitarian and philanthropist is the daughter of Farid Mahmoud Irshaid, a political leader who served in the government and as a parliamentarian in the Senate in Jordan.
Her mother Farida was Chair of the Red Crescent Society in The West Bank.
After studying in America, she married Prince Muhammad bin Talal in 1964.
The prince is the second son of Talal bin Abdullah, who was king of Jordan from 1951 until his abdication a year later in 1952.
Princess Firyal, an UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador since 1992, holds several philanthropic positions, including as a member of the International Council of the Tate Modern in London.
Henao was released on conditional bail.
