A Royal servant who was present when a female colleague was caught shoplifting has complained to his union of being ‘sidelined’ since the incident.
The Mail on Sunday revealed last November that a trusted royal aide ‘stole a bracelet’ from luxury department store Fortnum & Mason in London‘s Piccadilly.
The male servant was not involved in the theft but believes his knowledge of the incident has held him back at work. Duties he expected to carry out for senior members of the Royal Family were entrusted to others, he claims, and he has consulted his union for guidance.
His colleague escaped police and disciplinary action and was allowed to continue in the same role.
Before the incident last September, the servant and his colleague shared a drink in the store’s basement wine bar. At the time, the aide was being ‘monitored’ by Fortnum staff – who were aware of her royal connection – because she allegedly helped herself to make-up samples during a previous visit.
Fortnum and Mason department store. A Royal servant who was present when a female colleague was caught shoplifting from the store has complained to his union of being ‘sidelined’ since the incident
A bracelet on sale at Fortnum and Mason. The Mail on Sunday revealed last November that a trusted royal aide ‘stole a bracelet’ from the luxury department store (stock image)
The Queen Elizabeth II with Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales in Fortnum and Mason in 2012. Known as the late Queen’s favourite store, 316-year-old Fortnum & Mason has a long and close relationship with the Royal Family
On this occasion, the aide was observed visiting the store’s ‘Georgian-inspired beauty floor’ by security staff wearing body cameras.
It is understood she left and walked down a flight of stairs, heading for a side exit.
Unaware of the theft, the servant was shocked when security guards intercepted the woman as she tried to leave the store.
The bracelet was hidden in her handbag. Instead of alerting police, Fortnum staff warned she would be ejected if she set foot in the store again.
When apprehended, the aide is said to have claimed there had been a misunderstanding, but was told the theft was captured on film.
Sources said the bracelet’s white security tag had been removed.
Asked about the incident at the time, Fortnum & Mason and Buckingham Palace both declined to comment.
The woman concerned is described by colleagues as ‘utterly faithful’ to the Royal Family.
According to sources, the incident caused ‘surprise and disappointment’ within the Royal Household.
Known as the late Queen’s favourite store, 316-year-old Fortnum & Mason has a long and close relationship with the Royal Family.
Britain’s shoplifting epidemic was highlighted last year by a Mail on Sunday campaign calling for much tougher with offenders.
In 2022, it was reported that Fortnum’s had lost faith in police to catch shoplifters, instead using private detectives. Buckingham Palace declined to comment.