Princess Anne’s 1974 Kidnapping Attempt: How a Quick-Thinking Commoner Foiled teh Plot
In 1974, a brazen attempt to kidnap Princess Anne, then 23, unfolded as she returned to Buckingham Palace after a charity event with her then-husband, Captain Mark Phillips.The audacious plot was thwarted by a passerby, a former boxer, who intervened, preventing what coudl have been a major royal crisis.
Gunfire adn Chaos: The Attack on Princess Anne’s Convoy
The incident began when a car driven by Ian Ball blocked the Princess’s vehicle. Ball,armed with a handgun,immediatly opened fire,wounding Princess Anne’s driver and her bodyguard,Jim Beaton,before also shooting a tabloid journalist who attempted to assist.
Bodyguard’s Bravery: Jim Beaton’s Valiant Effort
Despite being shot in the shoulder, bodyguard Jim Beaton tried to return fire. His initial shot missed,and his second attempt was foiled when his Walther PPK pistol jammed,leaving the Princess vulnerable.
“Not Bloody Likely”: Princess Anne’s Defiant Response
As Ball attempted to force princess Anne from the car, she famously responded with the now-iconic phrase, “Not bloody likely.” Her surprising composure in the face of danger bought precious time.
The Boxer’s Intervention: Ronnie Russell to the Rescue
The situation reached a turning point when Ronnie Russell, a passerby and former boxer, intervened. Russell punched Ball in the head, disrupting the attack and allowing authorities to apprehend him.
George Medal and Remembrance: Honoring Courage
Ronnie Russell was awarded the George Medal for his bravery. In 2020, facing health challenges, Russell sold his medal, bringing renewed attention to the dramatic event and the courage displayed by all involved.
Who was Ronnie Russell and what action did he take during the kidnapping attempt?
Princess Anne’s 1974 Kidnapping Attempt: How a Quick-Thinking Commoner Foiled teh Plot
In 1974, a brazen attempt to kidnap Princess Anne, then 23, unfolded as she returned to Buckingham Palace after a charity event with her then-husband, captain mark Phillips.the audacious plot was thwarted by a passerby, a former boxer, who intervened, preventing what coudl have been a major royal crisis.
Gunfire adn chaos: The Attack on Princess Anne’s Convoy
The incident began when a car driven by Ian Ball blocked the Princess’s vehicle. Ball,armed with a handgun,immediatly opened fire,wounding Princess Anne’s driver and her bodyguard,Jim Beaton,before also shooting a tabloid journalist who attempted to assist.
bodyguard’s Bravery: Jim Beaton’s Valiant Effort
Despite being shot in the shoulder, bodyguard Jim Beaton tried to return fire. His initial shot missed,and his second attempt was foiled when his Walther PPK pistol jammed,leaving the Princess vulnerable.
“Not Bloody Likely”: Princess Anne’s Defiant Response
As Ball attempted to force princess Anne from the car, she famously responded with the now-iconic phrase, “Not bloody likely.” Her surprising composure in the face of danger bought precious time.
The boxer’s Intervention: Ronnie Russell to the Rescue
The situation reached a turning point when Ronnie Russell, a passerby and former boxer, intervened. Russell punched Ball in the head, disrupting the attack and allowing authorities to apprehend him.
George Medal and Remembrance: Honoring Courage
Ronnie Russell was awarded the George Medal for his bravery. In 2020, facing health challenges, Russell sold his medal, bringing renewed attention to the dramatic event and the courage displayed by all involved.
Q&A: Unpacking the 1974 Kidnapping Attempt
Q: Who was Ian Ball, and what were his motives?
A: Ian Ball, the attacker, was a man with a history of mental health issues.While his exact motives remain somewhat unclear, he reportedly intended to kidnap Princess Anne and demand a ransom.
Q: What happened to Ian Ball after the attack?
A: Ball was apprehended at the scene. He was later deemed mentally unstable and was committed to a psychiatric hospital rather than facing a prison sentence.
Q: What is the George Medal, and why was Ronnie Russell awarded it?
A: The George Medal is a British civilian gallantry award. Ronnie Russell received it for his extraordinary bravery in intervening and preventing the kidnapping. It recognizes acts of great bravery.
Q: What impact did the incident have on Princess Anne and the Royal Family?
A: The event was a important security breach. It highlighted the vulnerabilities of royal protection at the time. While shaken, Princess Anne displayed remarkable composure. the incident led to increased security measures for the Royal Family.
Q: Were is Ronnie Russell’s George Medal now?
A: Ronnie Russell sold his George Medal in 2020 to help with his medical expenses. The medal was purchased by a private collector.
Q: What lessons can we learn from this event?
A: The incident underscores the importance of quick thinking, courage, and the unexpected impact ordinary people can have in extraordinary situations. It also emphasizes the need for robust security measures.
Q: Can you provide an interesting trivia about the incident?
A: Another bystander, a police constable, also attempted to intervene but was shot and wounded during the attack.His act of bravery should also be commended.
The 1974 kidnapping attempt is a story of courage and resilience. Remembering the bravery of those involved, especially Ronnie Russell, is a testament to the power of human spirit in the face of adversity.
