A housekeeper accused of stealing £188,000 worth of jewellery, including a diamond-and-sapphire wedding ring, from the Princess of Jordan is set to stand trial next autumn.
Maria Virgelina Taborda Henao, 69, has been charged with theft from the Royal’s £6 million central London home on or before November 26 2020.
It is said diamond rings, bracelets, watches and earrings were stolen by Taborda Henao.
She appeared in the dock at Southwark crown court on Monday to formally plead not guilty to the charge, having indicated last month that she intends to fight the allegation.
Judge Tony Baumgartner set a trial for October 5 next year.
It is said Princess Firyal Irshaid had travelled from her London address to Jordan during the pandemic, leaving Taborda Henao in the property.
Prosecutor Leila Bibi Nahaboo-Osman told a magistrates court hearing there was “approximately £188,000 of sentimental and historic jewellery" in the home.
"These items were stolen.”
It is alleged that the Princess’s sapphire and diamond wedding ring was later put up for sale in Paris, and other items appeared on an auction website.
Firyal is the ex-wife of Prince Muhammad bin Talal, the second son of the late King Talal of Jordan.
The noted philanthropist and humanitarian, she has worked as an UNESCO goodwill ambassador since 1992 and sits on the international council of London’s Tate Modern.
She married into the Jordanian royal family in 1964, and divorced in 1978.
Taborda Henao, who is originally from Colombia and lives in Fulham, west London, followed the court hearing with the help of a Spanish interpreter.
She was released on bail with the conditions she does not go to the Princess’ home or contact her former employer, and she is also banned from contacting her nephew, Julian Ramirez.
The court heard the trial is expected to last up to five days.
