Overview
- The museum said eight objects of incalculable value were taken from its Napoleonic collection, including diadems, sapphire and emerald collars, earrings and brooches.
- Only Empress Eugenia de Montijo’s diadem has been recovered so far, with Le Parisien reporting the piece was found broken.
- The stolen items are associated with 19th‑century imperial figures including queens Maria Amelia, Hortensia and Maria Luisa, as well as Empress Eugenia.
- Reports describe a swift operation by four hooded thieves that lasted about seven minutes.
- Spanish coverage is revisiting Eugenia’s biography, highlighting her Granada origins, her Montijo title in Extremadura, and her pioneering collaboration with designer Charles Frederick Worth.