Historic Crown Damaged During Thieves’ Escape
The Louvre Museum has revealed that the historic crown of Empress Eugénie was badly damaged but remains largely intact after being dropped by thieves during a high-profile jewel theft last October.
Museum officials said the diamond-studded crown, once worn by the wife of Emperor Napoleon III, was crushed when it fell during the robbers’ escape. Despite the damage, experts confirmed the 19th-century headpiece can be fully restored without the need for major reconstruction.
Crown Nearly Intact Despite Severe Deformation
The Louvre released the first images of the crown since the raid, showing visible deformation after thieves attempted to force it through a narrow opening cut into its glass display case.
While one of the crown’s eight gold eagles is missing, the piece still holds all 56 emeralds and 1,344 of its original 1,354 diamonds. Museum curators described the damage as serious but reversible.
An expert restoration panel led by Louvre president Laurence des Cars has been appointed to oversee the repair process.
Details of the October Louvre Raid
The audacious theft took place on 19 October, when a group of criminals used a stolen vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to access the Galerie d’Apollon via a balcony overlooking the River Seine.
Two thieves reportedly entered the museum by cutting through a window with power tools, then threatened guards and forced an evacuation. They broke open two display cases containing jewels linked to French royalty and imperial rulers.
Investigators said the entire operation lasted less than four minutes before the gang fled the scene on scooters waiting nearby.
Millions in Jewels Still Missing
Authorities estimate the value of the stolen jewellery at around €88 million. Seven other items taken during the raid—including a diamond tiara belonging to Empress Eugénie, along with necklaces, earrings and brooches—have not yet been recovered.
French police have arrested four male suspects believed to have taken part in the raid, though prosecutors say the alleged mastermind behind the operation remains at large.
