Four masked suspects struck the Louvre and stole valuable jewellery shortly after the museum opened on Sunday morning, using a vehicle-mounted mechanical ladder and battery-powered disc cutters to enter through a first-floor window of the Gallery of Apollo. Once inside, they threatened guards, smashed display cases, and escaped on mopeds within minutes.

Authorities confirmed that nine 19th-century royal items were taken, including an emerald necklace and earring set once owned by Empress Marie-Louise, Napoleon Bonaparte’s second wife, and a tiara belonging to Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. One of Eugénie’s crowns, covered in 1 354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, was found dropped near the museum as the gang fled.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the stolen pieces hold immense cultural importance beyond their commercial worth. “These jewels are priceless,” he said. “They form part of France’s irreplaceable heritage.”

The Louvre was evacuated and closed for the rest of the day as investigators examined the scene and inspected the recovered crown for damage. No injuries were reported, though officials confirmed the thieves attempted to set fire to their getaway vehicle before being stopped by staff.

Police continue to search for the suspects, amid fears the gems could be dismantled and sold on the black market.