"THE KIDNAPPING OF - PRINCESS ANNE - OF BRITISH ROYAL FAMILY IN 1974"

 

The attempted kidnapping of Princess Anne in 1974 remains one of the most dramatic and courageous displays of defiance by a member of the British Royal Family. It was the first time in modern history that an individual came so close to kidnapping a high-ranking Royal.

1. The Victims

Primary Target: Princess Anne, the 23-year-old daughter of Queen Elizabeth II.

Secondary Victim: Captain Mark Phillips, her husband of four months.

The Protectors (Injured):

Inspector James Beaton: The Princess’s personal police protection officer.

Alexander Callender: The Royal chauffeur.

Brian McConnell: A journalist who attempted to intervene.

PC Michael Hills: A police officer who responded to the scene.

2. The Incident: March 20, 1974

The couple was returning to Buckingham Palace from a film screening at around 8:00 PM. As their Austin Princess limousine drove down the Mall, a white Ford Escort swerved in front of them, forcing the chauffeur to stop.

The driver of the Ford, Ian Ball, exited his vehicle carrying two handguns. When Inspector Beaton exited the limo to investigate, Ball shot him in the shoulder. Ball then approached the rear of the car and demanded Princess Anne get out. A famous exchange occurred where Ball told her to "Come with me for a day or two," to which she famously replied, "Not bloody likely!"

3. Motive and Plan

Ian Ball was a 26-year-old unemployed man with a history of mental health struggles. His plan was meticulously organized:

The Ransom: He intended to hold the Princess for a ransom of £2 million (equivalent to roughly £20 million today).

The Goal: He claimed he wanted to give the money to the National Health Service (NHS).

Preparation: He had rented a house in Hampshire under a false name to hide the Princess and had drafted a letter to the Queen demanding the ransom.

4. Casualties and Heroism

While no one was killed, four men were shot during the struggle:

James Beaton: Shot three times (shoulder, hand, and abdomen) while shielding the Princess.

Alexander Callender: Shot in the chest while trying to disarm Ball.

Brian McConnell: Shot in the chest after telling Ball, "Don't be silly, old boy."

Michael Hills: Shot in the stomach after calling for backup.

The situation ended when a passerby, Ronnie Russell (a former heavyweight boxer), punched Ball in the head, allowing the Princess to escape out the opposite door and for police to swarm the area.

5. Investigation and Arrest

Ball fled into St. James’s Park but was tackled and arrested by DC Peter Edmonds. Police quickly discovered Ball’s rented house and the typed ransom notes. The investigation concluded that Ball had acted entirely alone, dispelling initial fears of a political or terrorist plot (such as by the IRA).

6. Verdict and Sentencing

In May 1974, Ian Ball pleaded guilty to attempted murder and attempted kidnapping.

The Sentencing: The judge sentenced him to life imprisonment. However, due to his diagnosis of severe schizophrenia, he was committed to Broadmoor Hospital, a high-security psychiatric facility, under the Mental Health Act.

7. Aftermath and Honours

The Queen awarded medals to all those who protected her daughter:

James Beaton received the George Cross (the highest civilian award for gallantry).

Ronnie Russell received the George Medal.

The others, Callender, McConnell, and Hills, also received medals for their bravery.

The event led to a massive overhaul of royal security. The "Thin Yellow Line" of protection was thickened; the number of armed guards was increased, and police communication protocols were modernized.

8. Current Status (March 2026)

Princess Anne: Now the Princess Royal, she remains one of the hardest-working members of the Royal Family. She rarely speaks of the event but famously joked about it in a 1980s interview with Michael Parkinson.

Ian Ball: As of 2026, Ball remains detained at Broadmoor Hospital. He has been held for over 50 years. Periodic reviews of his mental health have consistently determined that he remains a potential risk to the public and the royal family, and he has never been released.

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