The Attack on The Mall
On the night of March 20, 1974, one of the most dramatic incidents in modern British royal history unfolded. Princess Anne, Queen Elizabeth II’s only daughter, was returning to Buckingham Palace when an armed man blocked her car and attempted to kidnap her.
Within minutes, seven men tried to stop him, multiple people were shot, and the princess herself played a crucial role in resisting.
A Violent Struggle
Around 8 p.m., Anne and her husband Captain Mark Phillips were driving back from a charity event when a white Ford Escort cut off their limousine just 200 yards from the palace.
Ian Ball, a 26-year-old unemployed man armed with two handguns, opened fire, wounding bodyguard Inspector James Beaton. Ball demanded Anne exit the vehicle.
Civilians Join the Fight
As Ball tried to force Anne from the car, Beaton returned fire but his gun jammed and he was shot again. Chauffeur Alexander Callender was wounded while trying to intervene.
Journalist John McConnell and constable Michael Hills were also shot. Amid chaos, Anne refused to leave the car, repeatedly telling Ball she would not go with him.
Aftermath and Recognition
Former boxer Ronald Russell punched Ball twice, distracting him while Anne escaped out one door and climbed back in the other side. Chauffeur Glenmore Martin and several motorists blocked Ball’s escape. Detective Peter Edmonds arrived, chased Ball on foot, threw his coat over him, tackled him, and made the arrest.
Authorities found handcuffs, tranquilizers, and a £2 million ransom note in Ball’s car. He pleaded guilty to attempted kidnapping and attempted murder and was sentenced to life in a secure psychiatric hospital. Queen Elizabeth awarded the George Cross to Beaton, the George Medal to Hills and Russell, and other bravery honors to those who intervened.
March 20, 1974: on The Mall near Buckingham Palace, an armed man blocked Princess Anne’s car and tried to kidnap her.
Seven men moved to stop him as shots were fired.
In the struggle, Anne kept talking and refused to go with the attacker…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/GEOa4ow05v
— Fascinating True Stories (@FascinatingTrue) August 27, 2025