MPX5165522: The Metropolitan Police surround the royal car and a Ford Escort after the attempted shooting of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips in the Mall. The Royal car had been carrying Princess Anne and her husband Captain Mark Phillips when an armed gunman attempted to kidnap her as she drove up the Mall. T he kidnapper, Ian Ball, overtook the Princess in his Ford Escort before leaping from his car and firing six shots at the royal vehicle. One bullet somehow managed to pass between the Princess and her husband, yet neither of them were hurt. The kidnapper's plans were foiled when a royal bodyguard drew a pistol. Ball was arrested as he tried to make his escape. 20/3/74 R74/1771-9 Royals 73 Box 3 The Royal car had been carrying Princess Anne and her husband Capt. Mark Phillips when an armed gunman attempted to kidnap the Princess as she drove up the Mall. The kidnapper, a one Ian Ball overtook the Princess in his Ford Escort before leaping from his car and firing six shots at the royal vehicle. One bullet somehow managed to pass between the Princess and her husband, yet neither of them were hurt. The kidnapper's plans were foiled when a royal bodyguard drew a pistol. Ball was arrested as he tried to make his escape. 20th March 1974 (b/w photo) / Bridgeman Images