More than five decades after one of the most audacious crimes against the British royal family, Ian Ball, the man who attempted to kidnap Princess Anne in 1974, has made a startling claim—he is innocent.
The shocking incident unfolded on March 20, 1974, when Ball ambushed Princess Anne's car near The Mall in London. Armed with a handgun, he fired multiple shots, injuring four people, including Anne's personal protection officer. Despite his brazen attack, Ball was swiftly overpowered and arrested.
Now, nearly 50 years later, Ball has written letters from prison asserting his innocence. In one such letter, he stated, "I was framed. The truth will come out." However, court records and eyewitness testimonies overwhelmingly contradict his claims.
The Day That Shook the Royal Family
The attempted kidnapping remains one of the most dramatic security breaches in royal history. Ball had planned to demand a £3 million ransom for Princess Anne's release—equivalent to roughly £30 million today. His motives, he claimed at the time, were rooted in mental instability rather than political extremism.
Despite his assertions of innocence, Ball was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment under the Mental Health Act. He has spent most of his sentence in psychiatric facilities.
A Legacy of Improved Royal Security
The incident led to a major overhaul of royal security protocols. Before 1974, close protection for royals was far less stringent. Today, the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) ensures round-the-clock security for senior members of the royal family.
Princess Anne, known for her resilience, has rarely spoken publicly about the ordeal. However, in a rare interview, she downplayed the event, saying, "It was all rather irritating."
Why Ball's Claims Now?
Legal experts dismiss Ball's recent letters as baseless. "The evidence against him was overwhelming," said former prosecutor Sir John Stevens. "This is likely another attempt to manipulate the system."
With Ball now in his 70s and still incarcerated, his chances of release remain slim. Yet, his claims continue to fuel conspiracy theories among fringe groups.
As the 50th anniversary of the kidnapping attempt approaches, the story serves as a chilling reminder of the vulnerabilities even the most protected figures can face.
