The Attempt on Princess Anne

Who was she? Queen Elizabeth II's only daughter.

When was the attempt made? March 20, 1974.

Where did the attempt take place? The Mall, London.

Who did it? Ian Ball, a disturbed young man.

Why? Ball, a loner obsessed with the royal family, hatched a plot to kidnap Princess Anne and hold her to ransom.

What happened? Armed with two handguns, Ball attacked Princess Anne's car. He wounded her bodyguard, her chauffeur, a member of the public and a policeman but failed to kidnap the princess. He was arrested shortly after the attempt.

What was the consequence? The attempted kidnap acted as a wake-up call for Palace officials. Security was tightened and royal protection officers received far more rigorous training.