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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Harry Taylor

Man who attempted to kidnap Princess Anne in 1974 claims innocence

black and white photograph of Ian Ball surrounded by police officers
Ian Ball, left, is led to court after being charged with the attempted murder of Princess Anne's bodyguard. Photograph: Bettmann/Bettmann Archive

The gunman who shot police officers during a botched attempt to kidnap Princess Anne has claimed he is innocent, six years after being released from a psychiatric hospital.

Ian Ball, who uses the pseudonym Anthony Stewart, claimed he expected Queen Elizabeth II’s daughter to have been swapped for a double and the gunpowder removed from his bullets ahead of the attempt in March 1974.

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