Princess Anne, 73, is on the mend after sustaining a concussion and head injuries during a horse-related incident at the Gatcombe Park estate on Sunday evening. The Princess Royal, renowned for her resilience and dedication, has been discharged from Southmead Hospital in Bristol after several nights of care.
Despite this recent injury, Princess Anne's history of facing challenges with bravery is well-documented. One of her most harrowing experiences occurred 50 years ago when she was the target of an attempted kidnapping and shooting in London.
On March 20, 1974, as Anne's vehicle traveled down The Mall, it was blocked by another car. Ian Ball emerged, brandishing a shotgun, and shot the royal's chauffeur, security officer, and a press photographer who tried to intervene. Ball intended to abduct Anne and demand a £2 million ransom.
In a moment of extraordinary courage, Anne defied her would-be kidnapper. When Ball ordered her out of the car, she firmly replied, "not bloody likely." The Princess tried to talk Ball down, refusing to leave the vehicle. The situation was ultimately resolved when a passerby punched Ball in the head twice, ending the ordeal.
The late Queen Elizabeth II later awarded medals to the four individuals who were shot by Ball in gratitude for their efforts to protect her daughter. Ball subsequently pleaded guilty to attempted murder and kidnapping.
Reflecting on the terrifying incident in a documentary celebrating her 70th birthday almost four years ago, Princess Anne remarked that she still remembers each moment "like photographs."
Anne, known as one of the strongest and hardest-working members of the Royal Family, continues to embody courage and resilience even in the face of adversity.
