Rewritten Title: French Prosecutor Puts Stolen Louvre Royal Jewels’ Value at Over $100 Million
A Daring Heist and Priceless Loss
A French prosecutor has officially stated that the royal jewels stolen from the Louvre museum have been valued at over $100 million (approximately 88 million euros). The announcement highlights the severe economic impact of the brazen daytime theft.
Historical Value Deemed Irreplaceable
Laure Beccuau, the Paris public prosecutor, emphasized in a Tuesday interview that the financial loss, while staggering, pales in comparison to the historical damage. “It is important to remember this is an economic loss, but nothing compared to the historic loss from this theft,” Beccuau stated, underscoring the cultural significance of the stolen artifacts.
The Stolen Treasures
The eight stolen pieces included crowns and earrings from the collections of Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense, dating back to the early 19th century. In a minor reprieve, the crown of Queen Eugénie was recovered outside the museum, apparently discarded by the thieves during their escape.
A Minute-Operation
The heist was executed with startling precision by four masked thieves. Using a crane to breach an upper-floor window in the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery, they managed to steal the jewels in a mere seven minutes. The operation’s speed and audacity have drawn significant attention to security measures at the world-renowned institution.
The Louvre’s Global Stature
As one of the world’s most visited museums, the Louvre’s security and heritage are of international concern. According to its website, the museum welcomed 8.9 million visitors in 2023, solidifying its position at the “top of the list of the world’s largest museum heritage sites.” The theft from such a prominent institution represents a significant blow to global cultural heritage.