King Charles' $1.6m family heirlooms stolen during 'violent robbery'

Family heirlooms worth $1.6m from King Charles' royal collection have been stolen during a "violent robbery" in France.

The items belonged to his great-grandfather, King George V, and great-grandmother, Queen Mary, and became his responsibility as monarch as part of the The Royal Collection Trust.

The heirlooms were taken from the Musée Cognacq-Jay Paris.

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The museum released an official statement describing the "violent robbery".

"The theft of seven works of art, including snuffboxes of great historical and heritage value on loan from the Louvre, the Royal Collection Trust, and The Rosalinde & Arthur Gilbert Collection on loan to the Victoria and Albert Museum, as part of the Luxe de poche exhibition," they said.

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"Investigations linked to the inquiry and the assessment of this immense loss are underway," it added, noting that the museum will remain closed until 10 December," the statement continued.

"Paris Musées and the City of Paris strongly condemn this criminal act and reaffirm their support for the staff present, who demonstrated great professionalism and an exemplary attitude in the face of this situation."

The items stolen are seven snuffboxes, two of which were on loan from The Royal Collection Trust. These are elaborate boxes lined with gold and adorned with jewels.

The first on loan from The Royal Trust was a present for George V on his 55th birthday in 1920 and was a "cartouche-shaped, gold and lapis lazuli snuffbox" inset with "an onyx cameo depicting the Birth of Venus," according to the official website of cartouche-shaped, gold and lapis lazuli snuffbox

The second featured 3,000 diamonds and was bought by Queen Mary in 1932.

Snuffboxes were once used for storing tobacco and scented oils. They were popular in the 18th century and then became collectors' items in the 19th century.

Local police are investigating the robbery. It is hoped the unique items will be recovered.

King Charles and Queen Camilla were home in the UK when the robbery took place. They had recently returned from a tour of Australia.

Camilla pulled out of several engagements following the trip due to a chest infection. She has recently returned to official duties.

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Upon her coronation, Camilla gained access to several lavish tiaras that form part of the royal collection, including her late mother-in-law's most famous tiaras for the recent Qatari state banquet.

The Kokoshnik tiara was originally owned by Queen Alexandra and later worn by Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth II.

It became one of Elizabeth II's most-worn tiaras during her record-breaking 70-year reign and was a personal favourite.

Queen Camilla wore the spectacular piece for the dinner inside Buckingham Palace on Tuesday night, as King Charles welcomed the Emir of Qatar and his wife to London for a state visit.

David and Victoria Beckham were among guests at the banquet. The footballer has attended many royal events over the years but this was Beckham's first invitation to a state banquet.

The royals are preparing to attend the Princess of Wales' annual Christmas carols event at Westminster Abbey on December 6.

All senior royals are expected to be in attendance.

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