Ian Ball maintains his innocence regarding the attempted kidnapping of Princess Anne, revealing new details about the infamous incident.
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Ian Ball, the man infamous for attempting to kidnap Princess Anne back in 1974, is making headlines again with a shocking claim of innocence. This comes nearly six years after he was released from a secure hospital. As he reflects on that dramatic night, Ball has opened up in a self-published autobiography titled To Kidnap A Princess.
The Attempted Kidnapping Incident
On March 20, 1974, Ball made a bold move to abduct Princess Anne and her then-husband, Captain Mark Phillips, as they drove along The Mall towards Buckingham Palace. What started as an audacious plan quickly spiraled into chaos.
The 26-year-old Ball confronted the princess, demanding she come with him for a ransom of £2 million. In a moment that has since become legendary, Princess Anne stood her ground, famously replying, ‘Not bloody likely, and I haven’t got £2 million.’
Fortunately, both the princess and Captain Phillips emerged from the incident unscathed, but not without injuries to others.
Ball fired shots through the rear window of their car, injuring Anne’s bodyguard, chauffeur, a police constable, and a journalist. Jim Beaton, Anne’s bodyguard, displayed extraordinary bravery during the attack and was later awarded the George Cross for his heroism.
Chaos reigned that night, with witnesses like former heavyweight boxer Ronnie Russell stepping in to help. Russell landed a punch on Ball, effectively foiling the kidnapping attempt. In recognition of his courageous act, he received the George Medal from Queen Elizabeth II, who expressed her gratitude on behalf of Princess Anne’s family.
Ball’s Claims of Innocence
Fast forward to today, and at 77 years old, Ball is doubling down on his claims of innocence. In a recent interview, he stated, ‘I’m an innocent, sane man because I had good reason to believe the gunpowder had been taken out of the bullets and another girl had been substituted for Princess Anne.’ Such statements have raised eyebrows and reignited interest in this long-ago case.
In his autobiography, Ball recounts his experiences over 45 years spent in various mental health facilities, including Rampton and Broadmoor. The book promises a thrilling yet reflective journey, aimed at evoking a wide range of emotions from its readers.
Yet, despite his new narrative, the legal ramifications of his actions remain unchanged. In May 1974, Ball pleaded guilty to attempted murder and attempted kidnapping, which resulted in his indefinite detention under the Mental Health Act. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice emphasized that restricted patients could be recalled to the hospital if their mental health were to deteriorate to a dangerous level.
Reflections on the Incident
Looking back, Princess Anne, who was only 23 at the time, has shared her feelings about the incident. She expressed her anger towards Ball for the disruption and chaos he caused, recalling her frustration when he ruined her favorite blue velvet dress during the struggle.
Her father, Prince Philip, added a touch of humor to the situation by commenting on the challenges Ball would have faced had he succeeded in abducting her. His remarks reflect both the seriousness of the incident and the resilience of the royal family.
Ball’s claims and the resurgence of this historic incident underscore the complex nature of public perception surrounding crime, mental health, and the quest for forgiveness. As new developments emerge, the conversation surrounding this notorious event remains as charged as ever. What do you think—can someone truly be innocent after such an act, or does the past define us forever?
