Élysée Palace Staff Member to Stand Trial Over Alleged Theft of Tableware

A senior staff member at France’s Élysée Palace, the official residence of the French president, will face trial over the alleged theft of valuable tableware, including Baccarat champagne glasses and Sèvres porcelain plates.

Authorities say that around 100 items reported missing from the presidential collection were later recovered from the personal locker, car, and home of Thomas M., the palace’s chief butler. Two other individuals are also expected to stand trial in connection with the case.

Investigators reportedly discovered that some of the items had been listed for sale on Vinted, an online resale platform. The estimated value of the stolen objects ranges between €15,000 and €40,000 (£13,000–£35,000).

The case has drawn public attention not only because of the high-profile location but also due to the rarity and historic value of the items involved. Legal experts say the trial will examine both the alleged theft and the handling of sensitive assets within state institutions.

This incident follows a series of notable art and antiques thefts in France, including a recent heist at the Louvre Museum in which jewels worth €88 million (£76 million) were stolen. While there is no evidence linking the two cases, the theft at the Élysée Palace raises renewed concerns about security measures at France’s cultural and governmental institutions.

The trial is expected to shed light on the inner workings of the palace staff and the accountability measures for safeguarding France’s historic collections.