Princess Anne was 23 years old when she experienced a harrowing attempt on her life. During a late-night car ride to Buckingham Palace in March 1974, the Princess Royal's driver tried to kidnap her at gunpoint but the attack was foiled by a passer-by who witnessed what went down.
Ronnie Russell, a heavyweight boxer, was awarded the George Medal for his bravery and quick action against Princess Anne's assailant, Ian Ball. Russell actually punched Ball on the head two times to take him down. The ball fell with his face flat on the ground while Princess Anne, who was in the car with her husband Capt. Mark Phillips was unharmed.
Ball, however, injured Princess Anne's personal detective, chauffeur, a police escort and a journalist with his gun. The entourage was bringing the princess and her husband home from a charity event. The assailant was sent to a psychiatric facility by the judge.
During the awarding ceremony, Queen Elizabeth personally thanked Russell as a mother and not just the Queen, according to reports. At that time, Russell said that he will always treasure the medal.
Now at 72 years old and suffering from a health issue, however, Russell decided to put the medal up for auction for an important reason. He apparently needs the money to pay for the cost of his funeral.
Russell entrusted the medal to the auction house Dix Noonan Webb, where it was sold for nearly $65,000 (£50,000). Reports stated that a private collector bought the memorabilia, which also included the letter Russell received from Downing Street to inform him of the award, a commendation letter from the Metropolitan Police commissioner, and a telegram from Princess Anne.
The private collector also requested to meet Russell in person. Apparently, whoever bought the medal personally want to hear how the hero was able to save Princess Anne and her husband.
Russell recalled that Princess Royal, who is known for her no-nonsense attitude, still had the presence of mind and was very together despite the ambush. She actually told Ball to just go away and stop being a silly man.
The hero, however, did not expect that his medal will raise such a high price. Oliver Pepys of Dix Noonan Webb said that the medal's worth was befitting of its wonderful story of courage.
Meanwhile, Princess Anne recently surprised royal fans when she rode the London Underground. According to Hello! the Princess Royal took the public transport service to get to two of her appointments last Feb. 19. Reports noted that the royal was discreet as she wheezed through the crowd and it seemed like she knew her way around the facility. She rode with a protection officer and a female staff.
