The controversial release of Ian Ball, the man who attempted to kidnap Princess Anne in 1974, has reignited public interest in one of the most audacious crimes against the Royal Family. After decades at Broadmoor, Ball is now free, and remarkably, he is attempting to clear his name, prompting a re-examination of the infamous incident that shocked the nation and became a notable chapter in British history.

The events of March 20, 1974, unfolded dramatically as Princess Anne, then 23, was returning to Buckingham Palace with her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips, after a charity event. Ian Ball, then 26, meticulously planned his kidnapping attempt, intercepting the royal limousine on The Mall. His Ford Escort deliberately blocked the path, setting the stage for a tense confrontation.

What followed was a violent struggle that saw Ball brandishing a handgun, firing shots that wounded two police officers and two civilians who intervened. Amidst the chaos, Ball attempted to force Princess Anne from her car, leading to her famously defiant response, “Not bloody likely.” This bold retort quickly became an iconic moment, cementing her composure under extreme duress.

The kidnapping attempt was ultimately thwarted by the unexpected heroism of a passerby, former boxer Ronnie Russell. Without hesitation, Russell confronted Ball, delivering a decisive blow to the head that incapacitated the attacker and brought the dangerous ordeal to an immediate halt, ensuring the safety of the princess and preventing further harm.

Following the incident, Ball was apprehended and subsequently pleaded guilty to attempted murder and kidnapping charges. His conviction led to his confinement in Broadmoor, a high-security psychiatric hospital, where he remained for decades. His release on probation marks a significant moment, given the gravity of his past actions against a member of the Royal Family.

Now 77, Ball’s reappearance in the public eye is accompanied by extraordinary claims of innocence, despite his guilty plea all those years ago. He reportedly stated to a newspaper that he is “an innocent, sane man,” asserting he had “good reason” to believe the gunpowder had been removed from the bullets and that a substitute had been put in Princess Anne’s place. These assertions add a bizarre twist to the historical event.

Further stoking controversy, Ball has reportedly refused to apologize to the men he shot during the incident. He also claimed that Princess Anne “wasn’t bothered” on the night of the attempted abduction, a statement that stands in stark contrast to the trauma and danger of the situation. Such remarks highlight his continued detachment from the consequences of his actions.

Adding another layer to his narrative, Ball has been actively promoting his self-published book, ‘To Kidnap a Princess,’ since 2022. This publication is purportedly another attempt to prove his innocence, despite the established facts of the case. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice maintains its protocols, stating that “restricted patients can be recalled back to hospital if their mental health deteriorates such that the risk they pose becomes unmanageable in the community,” underscoring the ongoing oversight of his release. This complex saga remains a compelling piece of true crime from British history.