In 1974, the eldest princess was abducted at gunpoint by Ian Ball on London's Riverbank Street, and the way she handled the matter at the age of 23 was terrifying. Princess Anne, known for her seriousness, gave a stern four-word return to the man who tried to kidnap her in 1974.
At the time, the 23-year-old princess was on her way to Buckingham Palace in the London Mall when Ian Ball parked her car in front of the princess's vehicle and pointed a gun at the princess. When Ball got out of the car and fired the shot, Princess Anne was with her first husband, Mark Phillips, police protection officer Jim Beaton and her handmaiden.
Mr Beaton jumped out of the car and tried to shoot Bauer, but failed to shoot on the first attempt and his gun jammed on the second attempt. A bullet fired by Bauer hit him in the shoulder. Annie's driver, Alex Callender, was shot while trying to disarm Ball.
Officer Michael Hills, who arrived at the scene, was also shot and all later recovered in hospital. When Mr Ball had planned to blackmail Anne for £2m, when he let her out of the car, she replied: "Not likely." "Former boxer Ronnie Russell happened to pass by and when Ball was later thrown to the ground by police officer Peter Edmonds, he punched Ball in the head.
Bauer
At the time of the incident, Princess Anne and Phillips were returning to Buckingham Palace from a charity event. Both Mr Beaton and Mr Russell were honoured for their bravery and Mr Beaton, now 80, was awarded the George Cross. Mr. Beaton was shot twice in the hand and abdomen and recovered in hospital, where the princess subsequently visited. Ian Ball was arrested and pleaded guilty to attempted murder and kidnapping, and was taken to Broadmoor Hospital after being diagnosed with schizophrenia, where he remains today.