A rare engagement ring, designed specifically for Jordanian Princess Frial Irshid, has been at the center of a UK court case involving the theft of her jewelry. The ring, described as a unique piece, was featured on the cover of an auction catalog, prompting the princess to investigate the theft of her belongings. Princess Frial, 81, appeared in a British court to testify in the case against her former housekeeper, Maria Verhilina Taborda Henau, who is accused of stealing her jewelry.
The case began in November 2020 when Princess Frial received a call from a friend, Pierre Janet, a partner at luxury jeweler JAAR, who informed her that her engagement ring was being sold at auction. The princess was surprised, as she had not put her jewelry up for sale. She discovered that several of her pieces were being sold at auction in Canterbury, including her engagement ring. The princess obtained copies of the auction catalogs and identified her missing jewelry.
Taborda Henau, 71, who worked as Princess Frial's housekeeper for 11 years, is accused of stealing the jewelry during the princess's absence from the UK in 2020. The prosecution alleges that Taborda Henau stole the jewelry and sold it through an intermediary, Julian Ramirez, her nephew. Ramirez is accused of playing a key role in selling the stolen goods.
During her testimony, Princess Frial described her relationship with her jewelry collection, stating that she has a long-standing passion for collecting jewelry and art. She explained that her jewelry was not kept in a safe or hidden away, but was instead displayed in various rooms of her home. The princess also described her departure from her London home in March 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and how Taborda Henau was the only staff member remaining.
The court heard that Taborda Henau's nephew, Julian Ramirez, received £17,835 from the sale of the jewelry, which was transferred to his aunt's account. A search of Taborda Henau's home found some of the stolen jewelry, including the princess's wedding ring and a pair of earrings. Ramirez traveled to Colombia in October 2023, while out on bail awaiting trial.
Princess Frial also testified about her decision to allow Taborda Henau's sister to live in her home during the pandemic. The princess stated that she had agreed to allow the sister to stay, and even paid her a salary, despite finding the arrangement unusual. The princess claimed she was not aware of Ramirez's involvement until the police informed her.
The trial is ongoing, with Taborda Henau denying the charges of theft. The case highlights the complexities of high-value theft and the importance of verifying the ownership of unique and valuable items.
Key points
- A rare engagement ring led to the discovery of stolen jewelry from Jordanian Princess Frial Irshid.
- The princess's former housekeeper, Maria Verhilina Taborda Henau, faces trial in a UK court.
- The stolen jewelry was sold at auction in Canterbury, with some pieces recovered from Taborda Henau's home.
