Here's How Bravely Princess Anne Responded to Armed Man from Attempting To Kidnap Queen Elizabeth II's Daughter

Princess Anne has spent her whole life in the public glare as the Queen's only daughter. She has also been doing royal tasks on behalf of her queen mother since she was at a young age.

Nearly 50 years ago, on her way home from a charity function, the princess, who celebrates 72 today, was fired at as she drove into Buckingham Palace.

Princess Anne Survived Kidnapping Attempt

It happened in 1974 when her vehicle was driving down The Mall and a car got in the path. Ian Ball got out and pulled out a shotgun shortly after they arrived. He shot the royal chauffeur and security guard, as well as a press photographer who attempted to interfere.

Ball, who was attempting to abduct Princess Anne and planned to demand a ransom of more than $2 million, commanded her to get out of the car, but she boldly answered, "not bloody likely." In a video commemorating her 70th birthday two years ago, Anne discussed the horrific event, saying she recalls each moment like pictures.

Princess Anne sought to persuade Ball that she would not exit the automobile. Thankfully, another witness walking by the scene at the moment hit Ball in the head twice, thereby ending the violence. As a thank you for their assistance in saving her daughter's life, the Queen awarded medals to all four persons who Ball shot, as per Mirror.

Princess Anne's Other Remarkable Experiences

Throughout her life, the Princess Royal has experienced a number of extraordinary adventures. Princess Anne was nominated for a Noble Peace Prize in 1990, at the age of 39, by Zambian Head Kenneth Kaunda for her efforts as president of the organization Save the Children.

Princess Royal became president of the organization 20 years ago, her first significant charitable involvement as a senior member of the royal family. Princess Anne was the first senior member of the royal family to be convicted of a criminal offense in 2002. Dotty, the royal's three-year-old English bull terrier, bit two toddlers in Windsor Great Park on April 1, that year.

At East Berkshire Magistrates' Court in Slough, the royal pled guilty to a charge under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Meanwhile, as director of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Princess Anne was heavily involved in London's successful bid to host the 2012 Olympics, Independent reported.

She is the current president of the British Olympic Association, as well as a member of the International Olympic Committee and a former athlete. Princess Anne was voted the busiest member of the royal family in 2017 after attending 455 events, including charity gatherings, banquets, and receptions in the UK, and 85 engagements abroad.

According to The Times, Princess Royal had more engagements in the UK than her father, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry combined, while the Duchess of Cambridge had the fewest, clocking 63 in the UK and 42 outside of the nation.

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