Count of Paris urges Louvre thieves to 'give us back our jewels'

The heist in broad daylight has stunned France and left the nation reeling at its audacity, and at the security failures

A tiara once worn by Empress Eugénie was among the jewellery stolen in the heist. Picture: Maeva Destombes / Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images

The Count of Paris, whose great-grandmother once wore the sapphire tiara stolen from the Louvre Museum, has pleaded with the robbers to return the stolen jewels intact for the sake of France's heritage — and for his family.

"Give us back our jewels, there's still time," said Jean d'Orleans, a direct descendant of French kings, speaking to Reuters at the royal domain of Dreux, 70km southwest of Paris.