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Princess Anne’s Daring Escape: A Royal Encounter with a Gunman
Princess Anne, known for her fearless demeanor, recently found herself in a harrowing situation when a gunman attempted to kidnap her.
However, the princess proved that she was no damsel in distress.
Let’s take a closer look at this extraordinary event that unfolded on March 20, 1974.
Just four months after her televised wedding to General Captain Mark Phillips, Princess Anne and her entourage were attacked outside Buckingham Palace.
The incident occurred after the princess had attended a theatre performance.
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Traveling in her Rolls-Royce limousine, Anne was accompanied by her husband, chauffeur, lady maid, and private security guard.
The assailant, 26-year-old Ian Ball, approached the vehicle, appearing to be a disgruntled driver.
Security officer James Wallace Beaton, thinking Ball was merely a nuisance, stepped out of the car to confront him.
In a shocking turn of events, Ball shot Beaton in the right shoulder.
Beaton tried to retaliate but missed his target, and his gun jammed.
Ball then attempted to forcibly remove Princess Anne from the car through the driver’s side, while her lady maid crawled out through the passenger side door.
Sensing danger, Beaton rushed back to the car and positioned himself between the gunman and the royal couple, desperately trying to close the door.
Alexander Callender, the driver, bravely intervened but was shot in the chest.
Undeterred, Ball managed to open the back door and grabbed Anne by the arm, urging her to comply.
More shots were fired, including at the first police officer and a journalist who tried to disarm the assailant.
It was Ronald Russell, a former boxer and cleaning executive, who happened to pass by and witnessed the commotion.
Russell courageously punched Ball in the face, wrestling him to the ground, ultimately subduing him.
Recalling the incident, Russell stated that he had tried to remain polite during the ordeal, but at one point, his dress slipped, intensifying the danger.
He admitted losing his composure and fighting back.
As additional police officers arrived on the scene, Anne, sensing Ball’s growing nervousness, encouraged him to make his move.
After searching Ball’s car, authorities discovered a note indicating his intention to hold the princess for a £2 million ransom.
It was also revealed that Ball had rented a house near Sandhurst Military Academy, where Princess Anne and Captain Phillips resided.
Four individuals, including Anne’s security guard, driver, the first responding police officer, and a journalist, sustained injuries but survived the attack.
In recognition of his bravery, Queen Elizabeth II personally thanked Russell during an official ceremony in November 1974.
The Queen, appreciative of his actions, even paid off his mortgage as a gesture of gratitude.
Russell later auctioned off the medal he received from the Queen, earning $59,270.
Ian Ball, expressing remorse for frightening Princess Anne, pleaded guilty to attempted murder and kidnapping.
He is currently serving a life sentence in a mental institution.
The audacious escape of Princess Anne from the clutches of a determined kidnapper serves as a testament to her resilience and the bravery of those who protected her.
This remarkable incident highlights the unwavering spirit of the British Royal Family in the face of adversity.
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