Ian Ball is the name of the man who tried to kidnap Princess Anne, the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, in 1974.
He was a 26-year-old unemployed laborer who planned to hold the princess for ransom and use the money to fund mental health treatment.
He failed in his mission, thanks to the bravery of Princess Anne and the people who came to her rescue.
But what happened to Ian Ball after his arrest? Where is he now and is he still alive?
Here are some of the answers to these questions.
The Kidnapping Attempt: A Terrifying Night for Princess Anne
On March 20, 1974, Princess Anne was returning from a charity film event with her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips, in a chauffeur-driven limousine.
As they were driving along Pall Mall, a white Ford Escort blocked their way and forced them to stop.
The driver of the Escort was Ian Ball, who got out of the car and pulled out a handgun.
He shot Princess Anne’s chauffeur, her security officer Jim Beaton, and a nearby tabloid journalist Brian McConnell, who tried to help the royals.
Ian Ball told Anne he was planning to kidnap her to ask for a £2 million ($2.5 million) ransom – which he claimed he intended to give to the National Health Service to fund mental health treatment – before demanding she gets out of the car.
Princess Anne refused to comply and said: “Not bloody likely”.
By a stroke of luck, Ron Russell, a former boxer, happened to be walking past.
He thought the incident was simply road rage, but when he went over and saw what was going on, he punched Ball in the back of the head and helped the Princess to safety.
Police Constable Michael Hills arrived on the scene and called for backup but was shot by Ball too.
Finally, Detective Constable Peter Edmonds chased after Ball and he was arrested.
The Trial and Sentence: Life Imprisonment for Ian Ball
Ian Ball was charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, wounding with intent, and firearms offenses.
He pleaded guilty by reason of insanity, but the jury rejected his plea and found him guilty on all counts.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment and placed in a mental hospital.
His attempt to kidnap Princess Anne remains the closest attempt anyone has made to abducting a member of the Royal Family.
The Current Status: Is Ian Ball Still Alive?
Ian Ball is still alive as of 2023, but his whereabouts are unknown.
He has been moved from one psychiatric facility to another over the years.
His last known location was Broadmoor Hospital in Berkshire.
He has never been released from custody, nor has he ever expressed any remorse for his actions.
Has also never revealed his motive for trying to kidnap Princess Anne, other than his vague claim of wanting to help people with mental health problems.
Remains one of the most notorious criminals in British history.
Conclusion
Ian Ball is the man who tried to kidnap Princess Anne in 1974.
Was sentenced to life imprisonment and placed in a mental hospital.
Ian is still alive as of 2023, but his whereabouts are unknown.
Has never shown any remorse or explained his motive for his crime.
He is a mystery that may never be solved.
You can also visit our blog for the following articles :
