Louvre director QUITS after being blamed for £76million jewel heist at Paris museum

She initially offered to step down immediately after the break-in, but Mr Macron refused.

Ms Des Cars said she was asked to remain in post to “steer the ship through the storm” of a public inquiry, which this week accused her of “systematic failures”.

Mr Macron’s office described her departure as an “act of responsibility”, adding that the museum now required “calm and a strong new impetus”.

Ms Des Cars became the Louvre’s first female director when she was appointed in September 2021.

Speaking to Le Figaro after her resignation, she said: "I take my share of responsibility, of course. But the guilty parties, the masterminds, they’re still out there."

On October 19, four thieves broke into the museum using power tools before fleeing on scooters.

In total, eight pieces were stolen, including a tiara and brooch belonging to Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, as well as an emerald necklace and earrings once owned by Empress Marie Louise.

A crown of emeralds and diamonds belonging to Empress Eugénie was later found damaged along the escape route, apparently dropped as the suspects fled.

Five people have since been charged in connection with the heist, but the jewels have not been recovered.

Ms Des Cars said the theft “cruelly highlighted what I have been warning about since my arrival”, citing the building’s “dilapidated state, the obsolescence of the technical installations, and the massive congestion problems”.

She added that staff had long been aware of weaknesses in the Louvre’s infrastructure and security.

Ms Des Cars said: "Ironically, the public contracts for security were about to be awarded at the very moment the jewels were stolen. Indeed, if we were able to implement dozens of emergency measures in just a few weeks, it was precisely because this master plan was ready.

"I am handing over the reins to my successor, who will be appointed. They will benefit from a clear framework and secure budgets."

The reputation of the world’s most-visited museum has also been hit by a series of staff strikes over low pay and poor maintenance, forcing closures in December and January.

Last week, French police dismantled a “large-scale” ticket fraud network and arrested two museum employees.

Activists further embarrassed the institution on Sunday by hanging an image of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor leaving Aylsham Police Station inside the Louvre.

A spokesman for the group “Everyone Hates Elon” said: "We thought we'd show the former Prince Andrew how the world will remember him by putting up this iconic arrest photo at the Louvre."

The image remained on display for around 15 minutes before being removed by staff.

The findings of the inquiry into the high-profile theft are due to be published in May.

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