We recently uncovered a shocking plot to kidnap Princess Anne, the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II. In this article, we’ll reveal all the details that have come to light so far. Read on to find out what we know about this daring plan.
What has been described by some as the most serious British royal security breach since WWII, the plot to kidnap Princess Anne in 1974 stirred a lot of controversy. The primary goal of this thought-out plan was to ransom the 17-year-old princess for £2 million. Here are the details of the scheme:
- The Plotters: The plot was masterminded by Ian Ball, a 26-year-old unemployed laborer. He was helped by five other people, including Geraldine Thatcher, a 22-year-old woman, who was the getaway driver.
- The Plan of Action: The plan was to snatch the princess during her way to her residence in Buckingham Palace. Ball wanted her to be taken into a waiting van and drive off until the ransom was paid.
The night it happened, Princess Anne was on her way home from a charity event with her then-husband, Mark Phillips. Ball and his accomplices approached her in a car full of fireworks and a fake bomb. A police officer located near the scene, however, prevented Ball from taking the princess away. In the end, he was arrested. Five of his accomplices were jailed too.
So, there you have it – a shocking crime that fortunately never came to pass. It just goes to show that no matter how far away the intended victims, or how well guarded the area, the probability of risky and illegal acts never completely disappears. Thankfully, the police were able to step in quickly and prevent the kidnapping of Princess Anne.