Overview
- Karl von Habsburg says the trove was kept in a Québec bank safe‑deposit box since 1940 after Empress Zita carried the jewels to Canada during the family’s flight from the Nazis.
- The cache numbers about fifteen pieces, including the famed Florentiner yellow diamond, a Golden Fleece order and items linked to Empress Elisabeth, Maria Theresia and Marie‑Antoinette.
- Expert jeweller Christoph Köchert examined the stones and affirmed the authenticity of the Florentiner and other items, according to published assessments.
- The family plans to exhibit the private collection in Canada and maintains it is legally distinct from Austria’s state crown jewels in Vienna.
- Austrian Vice‑Chancellor Andreas Babler ordered an immediate review under the 1919 Habsburg law and indicated Austria could seek repatriation if state ownership is established.