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I took three bullets to stop Princess Anne's kidnap

On 20 March 1974, Princess Anne was ambushed by an armed kidnapper as she travelled by car to Buckingham Palace.

The attack was thwarted by the bravery of a number of people, including her police bodyguard Inspector Jim Beaton, who was shot three times during the incident.

Ian Ball planned to abduct the young princess and hold her ransom. He was later prosecuted for Jim’s attempted murder, as well as other offences.

Five decades on, Inspector Beaton has been reflecting on that day.

Video by Morgan Spence & Cameron Buttle

Archive pictures: Getty Images & PA Media

19 March 2024

UK Royal Family

Buckingham Palace

Princess Anne, Princess Royal

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