Cleaner faces charges for £1 million theft from Jordanian princess's London home

Maria Taborda Henao, a 69-year-old Colombian cleaner, has been charged with stealing jewellery valued at up to £1 million from Princess Firyal of Jordan during her employment at the princess's £6 million mansion in Belgravia. The stolen items, which include diamond rings, bracelets, watches, and earrings, were allegedly handed over to a male relative who sold them through a Kent auction house. Henao appeared in Westminster Magistrates' Court but could not proceed with her case due to the absence of a Spanish interpreter and was released on bail to return on April 14. Princess Firyal, 80, is a noted humanitarian and philanthropist, previously married to Prince Muhammad bin Talal of Jordan. The allegations date back to a period between February and November 2020, and Henao was first arrested in November of the same year. The case highlights concerns over trust and security among domestic workers in high-profile households.