Princess Anne’s Attempted Kidnapper Claims He Is ‘Innocent’: ‘I Was More Scared Than She Was’

Ian Ball, the man who attempted to kidnap Princess Anne in 1974, has insisted on his innocence in a recent interview. Ball, who was released from a psychiatric hospital in 2019, claims that the kidnapping was meant to be a “hoax” and believed there was no gunpowder in the bullets used during the incident. He stated that he thought Anne had been swapped with a body double.

The infamous kidnapping attempt took place on March 20, 1974, when Anne’s chauffeur-driven car was forced to stop by Ball, who then proceeded to open fire, injuring Anne’s chauffeur and a private detective. Ball’s intention was to kidnap Anne and demand a ransom of nearly $4 million, as revealed in a letter he addressed to Queen Elizabeth. He was convicted of the attempted murder and sentenced to life imprisonment in a psychiatric hospital before being quietly released in 2019.

In the recent interview with the Daily Mail, Ball reiterated his innocence and claimed that the kidnapping was staged as a publicity stunt for his autobiography. He alleged that he had assistance from a friend on the police force known only as “Frank”. Ball maintained that proving the existence of Frank would validate his belief that the incident was orchestrated as a hoax.

Despite the traumatic events that unfolded during the kidnapping attempt, Ball asserted that Anne was not scared of him. He described the princess as being unfazed by the situation, stating that he himself was more scared than she was. Ball also addressed the iconic quote attributed to Anne, denying that she said, “Not bloody likely,” during the ordeal.

Princess Anne’s steadfast refusal to cooperate during the kidnapping attempt has been well-documented. She displayed remarkable composure and courage throughout the ordeal, ultimately not giving in to Ball’s demands. It was a passerby named Ronnie Russell who intervened and managed to subdue Ball, preventing further harm to Anne and those present in the car.

In the aftermath of the incident, Queen Elizabeth honoured the individuals who thwarted the kidnapping attempt, recognizing their bravery and quick actions. James Beaton, the private detective injured during the incident, was awarded the George’s Cross for his role in protecting Anne. The royal family expressed gratitude towards all those who intervened and ensured the safety of Princess Anne.

As the years have passed since that fateful day in 1974, the details and motivations behind the attempted kidnapping of Princess Anne continue to intrigue and captivate the public. Ian Ball’s recent interview sheds new light on the incident, offering his perspective and maintaining his innocence in a case that remains one of the most notable events in royal history.

The resilience and courage displayed by Princess Anne during the kidnapping attempt have cemented her reputation as a steadfast and composed member of the royal family. Despite the trauma of the incident, Anne’s refusal to comply with her abductor serves as a testament to her strength of character and unwavering determination in the face of danger. Princess Anne’s survival of the ordeal has become a significant chapter in her life story, highlighting her remarkable bravery and resilience.