Chief Butler at French Presidential Palace Held in Theft Probe
The chief butler serving at France's official presidential residence, the Élysée Palace, has been taken into custody following allegations of a significant theft. The suspect, identified only as Thomas M. and aged in his 40s, is accused of stealing hundreds of pieces of valuable antique tableware, with the haul estimated to be worth thousands of pounds.
Simultaneous Raids Uncover Alleged Theft
French police moved on the case last week, executing coordinated searches at two residential properties and one business premises. The simultaneous raids resulted in the arrest of the butler and two other individuals connected to the investigation. The recovered items are reported to include historic tableware that was used during official state functions, notably during a visit by Britain's King Charles III.
The alleged theft represents a serious breach of security and trust within one of France's most iconic institutions. The butler, holding a position of high responsibility within the palace household, would have had intimate access to the state's collection of ceremonial artefacts and tableware.
Tableware from Royal Visit Among Missing Items
While a full inventory of the missing items is still being compiled, sources confirm that pieces used during the entertainment of King Charles III were among those taken. The incident casts a shadow over the palace's internal safeguards and procurement controls for its historic collections.
An official investigation is now underway to determine the full scale of the losses, the timeline of the thefts, and whether any other palace staff were involved or negligent. The Élysée Palace has yet to release a formal statement on the arrest of its senior staff member.
This developing story highlights the vulnerabilities even within the most secure state buildings. As the judicial process continues, further details are expected to emerge about how such valuable items could disappear from under the nose of the French presidency.
