On the evening of March 20, 1973, Princess Anne was returning from a charity film premiere when her Rolls-Royce came to an unexpected halt on The Mall. What happened next would become one of the most extraordinary examples of royal courage in modern British history. When a gunman approached her car and demanded she accompany him for a £3 million ransom, the Princess Royal's response was characteristically direct: "Not bloody likely." Her refusal to be intimidated not only saved her own life but prevented what could have been the crime of the century.
A Night at the Pictures Turns Dangerous
The evening had begun so ordinarily. Princess Anne, then 22 years old and already establishing herself as one of the hardest-working members of the royal family, had attended a charity screening of the film "Riding Towards Freedom" at the Odeon Leicester Square. She was accompanied by her then-husband Captain Mark Phillips, and the couple were being driven back to Buckingham Palace in their chauffeur-driven Austin Princess—a more modest vehicle than usual, as their regular Rolls-Royce was being serviced.
At approximately 8 PM, their car was traveling down The Mall when a white Ford Escort suddenly swerved in front of them, forcing their chauffeur, Alex Callender, to brake sharply. What seemed like a simple traffic incident quickly revealed itself to be something far more sinister. A man emerged from the Ford Escort, and in the gathering dusk of a London evening, the royal protection officer, Inspector James Beaton, immediately sensed danger.
The man was Ian Ball, a 26-year-old with a history of mental illness who had spent months meticulously planning what he believed would be the perfect crime. Armed with two pistols, he had studied royal routines and identified what he thought was a vulnerable moment in the Princess's schedule. His plan was audacious in its simplicity: kidnap Princess Anne and demand a ransom of £3 million to be paid to the National Health Service—a sum that would be worth approximately £35 million today.
Four Shots and Royal Defiance
What Ball hadn't anticipated was the fierce determination of both Princess Anne and those sworn to protect her. Inspector Beaton immediately stepped out of the vehicle to confront the gunman, drawing his own weapon. In the ensuing struggle, Ball shot Beaton in the shoulder, but the wounded protection officer continued to fight, even after his gun jammed.
The scene that unfolded was chaotic and terrifying. Ball shot chauffeur Alex Callender in the chest when he attempted to disarm the gunman. A passing journalist, Brian McConnell, who had stopped to help, was shot in the chest. Even Police Constable Michael Hills, who arrived as backup, was shot in the stomach. Four men lay wounded, yet still the attack continued.
Throughout this terrifying ordeal, Princess Anne remained remarkably composed. When Ball yanked open the car door and demanded she come with him, her response was immediate and unflinching. She later recalled that the gunman was "very polite" but quite clearly mentally unstable. Rather than succumb to panic, she engaged him in conversation, perhaps instinctively understanding that dialogue might be her best defense.
Captain Mark Phillips, meanwhile, had exited from the other side of the car and was attempting to reach his wife. In the confusion, Princess Anne actually got out of the vehicle at one point, but when Ball tried to grab her, she pulled away with characteristic determination. The Princess's refusal to cooperate wasn't just brave—it was strategically brilliant, buying precious time for help to arrive.
A Royal Education in Crisis Management
Princess Anne's behavior during those crucial minutes revealed much about her character and upbringing. Born into a family where duty and service were paramount, she had been raised to remain calm under pressure. Her equestrian training had taught her to think quickly and react decisively when faced with unpredictable situations—skills that proved invaluable during the attack.
The Princess later described feeling annoyed rather than terrified, a reaction that speaks volumes about her practical nature. She recognized that panic would serve no useful purpose and instead focused on what she could control: her responses to the gunman and her refusal to make his job easier. This wasn't reckless bravery but calculated courage—the kind that comes from years of royal training and an innate sense of responsibility.
Her famous retort to Ball's demand became the stuff of legend, perfectly capturing her no-nonsense personality. It was a response that was quintessentially Anne—direct, fearless, and tinged with the kind of dry humor that would become her trademark. The gunman, clearly expecting compliance or terror, was visibly taken aback by her defiance.
The Aftermath and Recognition of Heroism
The kidnapping attempt finally ended when Detective Constable Peter Edmonds arrived on the scene. Edmonds approached Ball calmly, engaging him in conversation before successfully tackling and disarming him. The entire ordeal had lasted approximately ten minutes, but it felt like a lifetime to those involved.
Ball was immediately arrested and later sentenced to life imprisonment under the Mental Health Act. He spent over 40 years in Broadmoor Hospital before being released in 2018, having been deemed no longer a threat to public safety. His plan, authorities later discovered, had been years in the making and included detailed surveillance of royal movements.
The bravery shown that night did not go unrecognized. Inspector James Beaton, despite his wounds, received the George Cross for his extraordinary courage—the highest civilian award for gallantry. Chauffeur Alex Callender was awarded the George Medal, as were journalist Brian McConnell and Police Constable Michael Hills. Detective Constable Peter Edmonds received the Queen's Gallantry Medal for his role in ending the siege.
Princess Anne herself characteristically played down her role in the escape, but those present that night knew better. Her refusal to be intimidated had frustrated Ball's plans at every turn, and her calm engagement with the gunman had prevented the situation from escalating further. In the days following the attack, messages of support poured in from around the world, with many noting the Princess's extraordinary composure under fire.
A Legacy of Courage
The events of March 20, 1973, became a defining moment in Princess Anne's public life, though she has always preferred to focus on her ongoing work rather than past drama. The attack led to significant improvements in royal security protocols, ensuring that future generations of the royal family would benefit from enhanced protection measures.
More than five decades later, Princess Anne's response to that terrifying evening continues to exemplify the very best of royal character. Her refusal to be cowed by intimidation, her practical approach to crisis, and her concern for others even in moments of personal danger reflect the values that have made her one of the most respected members of the royal family.
The kidnapping attempt that was meant to bring the monarchy to its knees instead demonstrated its resilience and the extraordinary character of those who serve the Crown. Princess Anne's courage that night wasn't just personal—it was a testament to the enduring strength of the institution she represents, proving that even in the face of unimaginable danger, duty and dignity would always prevail.
