Attempted kidnapping leaves her unphased - Unfazed by an attempted kidnapping.
Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, has carved out a remarkable career within the British Royal Family, marked by extensive public service, significant sports achievements, and notable resilience during a kidnapping attempt.
Born as the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Anne has held the title Princess Royal since 1987, a title reserved for the monarch's eldest daughter.
Anne is widely respected for her dedication to royal duties, patronage of over 300 organizations, and extensive charitable work. Her most famous endeavour is with Save the Children UK, where she has served for over five decades, including as president and later patron.
In the world of sports, Princess Anne is an accomplished equestrian. She made history as the first member of the British royal family to compete in the Olympic Games, representing Great Britain in eventing at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. She won the European individual championship in three-day eventing in 1971 and was part of the British team that won gold at the same event. Her commitment to equestrianism continued alongside her royal responsibilities and even formed a shared interest that led to her first marriage to Captain Mark Phillips, an Olympic gold medalist in team eventing.
Princess Anne's responses to personal challenges have also been noteworthy. In 1974, she survived a high-profile kidnapping attempt when Ian Ball tried to abduct her to hold for ransom. Anne’s composed and courageous reaction during the attack was widely admired. The assailant was later found to have schizophrenia and was detained under the Mental Health Act. The incident has been depicted in media, including the 2006 docudrama To Kidnap a Princess.
Anne's first marriage to Mark Phillips ended in 1992, and she married her second husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, in the same year. The couple has no children together, but Anne is the mother of two children, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, from her first marriage.
Princess Anne's hard work, sense of duty, and influence within the royal family have earned her acclaim. She was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990 for her work as president of "Save The Children." Once seen as aloof and cold, Anne is now one of the most popular members of the British royal family according to polls.
However, Princess Anne's life has not been without controversy. In 2002, she became the first senior royal family member to be convicted of a criminal offense for allowing her dog Dotty to bite two children in Windsor Park.
Despite this, Princess Anne's resilience and dedication to her duties remain unwavering. Her commitment to service, both in the royal family and in her charitable work, continues to make her a respected and admired figure in British public life.
King Charles III and his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, were visibly proud on Princess Anne's 75th birthday, admiring her resilience after the attempted kidnapping and her illustrious career within the royal family. Though Princess Anne's life has been fraught with celebrities and scandals, her commitment to charities and entertainment, such as equestrian sports, has cemented her status as a beloved royal among celebrities and children alike in London and beyond.
