The bodyguard who took three bullets to save Princess Anne | BBC News
On 20 March 1974, Princess Anne was ambushed by an armed kidnapper as she travelled by car to Buckingham Palace.
The attack was stopped 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.
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Пікірлер: 496
A real hero. And Princess Anne was indeed very calm, cool and collected. The madman pointed his gun at her after shooting her bodyguard and told her to get out of the car. Her reply: "Not bloody likely". A legend protecting another legend.
@EdwardThatch-ee7yx
Ай бұрын
@@highcountrydelatiteHe doesn’t even sweat!
@jasonbutler7054
Ай бұрын
@@EdwardThatch-ee7yx lmao
@user-vw7qe1cf9x
Ай бұрын
He is the legand. She sat there completely helpless This is the reality.
@avianokke2281
Ай бұрын
@@user-vw7qe1cf9x the fuck you on about, bot are legends
@Collateralcoffee
Ай бұрын
Not a hero. He did his job. Which is remarkable, yes, but not a hero. Do not put this humble and kind man into the same pot as some guy who walked past a burning car and did what we all should do: Help the victims. This gentleman did his job, and he found honour in that.
This is the kind of loyalty that can't be bought.
@Mahlatse11
2 ай бұрын
Everyone can be bought. The price is not always in money.
@harryshepherd4232
2 ай бұрын
Well, I mean... He was literally being paid to do his job... And his job was to loyally protect the royals... So his loyalty literally was bought.
@FatNorthernBigot
2 ай бұрын
@@Mahlatse11 True. A pint of cider and some pork scratchings and I'm sold. 😉
@FatNorthernBigot
2 ай бұрын
@@harryshepherd4232 He was paid, yes, but that only included "taking three bullets" in principle. When shots were fired, he wasn't thinking of his bonus.
@paul7TM
2 ай бұрын
@@harryshepherd4232The same in the army. We were paid. But we still went off Northern Ireland others the Falklands or later Afghanistan Iraq. Sometimes a number of tours. They can't pay you for that. You either want to do it or you don't. And later we may regret it. It messes you up. I doubt very much he doubts anything though 🕊️
Someone who really did give everything to his job.
@humanforotherhumanst4619
Ай бұрын
Am I missing something? I thought the guy was a bodyguard. He was just doing his job.
@paulgibbons2320
Ай бұрын
@humanforotherhumanst4619 You definitely are missing something, yeah. I used to work in security. The wage is not worth taking a bullet. 90% of them lads would not take a shot for anyone. You have got to be kidding if you think taking a bullet is just another day in the office.
@paulgibbons2320
Ай бұрын
@@humanforotherhumanst4619 deleted seriously?
@Roddy556
Ай бұрын
@@paulgibbons2320valid comment. Not sure what the other guy is on about
@user-vw7qe1cf9x
Ай бұрын
@@humanforotherhumanst4619 by your comment, I can tell you simply don’t “get it”. You’re probably the same guy that giggles when a soldier dies overseas and says “well he signed up for it” I hope you enjoy the freedom, comfort and safety that men have provided you
"It is a different world," indeed. But what a lovely, devoted and brave man is featured here. Well done, sir. Very well done.
WHAT A HERO! I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW ABOUT THIS, SO GLAD HE SURVIVED TO TELL HIS STORY.
@Kado1609
2 ай бұрын
one word i would describe him is Badass
@dusty4459
Ай бұрын
No mention of the real Hero though. Which is odd. kzread.info/dash/bejne/aoCV1ceLe8qfp5M.htmlsi=rRMlP6XjcjBnKleR
@electoplater
Ай бұрын
The Queen paid is mortgage off
@Paragon62
Ай бұрын
Why is she so important, wasted time.
This is a proper real life hero 🦸♀️ . Well done and I’m sure Princess Anne will be eternally grateful ❤
@thetruthhurts7675
2 ай бұрын
Have you not watched the interviews she has given on this? She always mentions him, and her concerns for him at the time.
@geen-gekopieerde-naam
2 ай бұрын
@@thetruthhurts7675 You need to brush up on your reading comprehension skills because her appreciation is what she indicated in her comment. And not everyone has seen the interviews. Smh. 🤣
@thetruthhurts7675
2 ай бұрын
@@geen-gekopieerde-naam Thank you, however I think you mean my listening skills to be truthful here
@geen-gekopieerde-naam
2 ай бұрын
@@thetruthhurts7675 You listened to the comment? I assumed you read it since it's text. But okay.
@j.dunlop8295
2 ай бұрын
Ron Russell, a former boxer who happened to be walking by the scene, saw Ball attempting to kidnap Anne, and swiftly came to the rescue, punching Ball and getting Anne to safety. Russell gained widespread adulation for his role in saving Anne and was even awarded the George Medal for his bravery.
I've admired Anne since that incident. She was so feisty even then. And the men who helped were heroes.
@margaretflounders8510
2 ай бұрын
When the gunman ordered Anne out of the car, she said "Not bloody likely!"
Inspiring. I love seeing him now. This is how beautifully a hero ages.
Princess Anne is recognized worldwide as "The Hardest Working Royal" She will always remember such devotion.
@CricketEngland
2 ай бұрын
SPOTY winner and Olympian medal winner and the first Royal Family member to be on A Question of Sport
@user-kj5bf9rm9d
2 ай бұрын
from the hardest working bs bot on the web😂😂😂
@halberderdier8073
2 ай бұрын
@@user-kj5bf9rm9dThat's you.
@user-te1hi9rx7b
2 ай бұрын
NEVER done a days work in her life. how many people were interviewed for this supposed 'job' she had?
@richardhart9204
2 ай бұрын
@@user-te1hi9rx7b 😂😂😂😂😂
Imagine the kind of reflex you would have to have, to stop a bullet.
@j.dunlop8295
2 ай бұрын
Ron Russell, a former boxer who happened to be walking by the scene, saw Ball attempting to kidnap Anne, and swiftly came to the rescue, punching Ball and getting Anne to safety. Russell gained widespread adulation for his role in saving Anne and was even awarded the George Medal for his bravery.
@twitflash7618
2 ай бұрын
@@j.dunlop8295 BiG FAN
@Roddy556
Ай бұрын
Pretty incredible story really from the gun jamming to a popular athlete jumping in.
What an impressive man. He must be in his eighties but he looks amazing. Still has that calm detachment. Glad I saw this.
For those who throw the word hero about these days, take note, that's what a hero looks like.
@geen-gekopieerde-naam
2 ай бұрын
Exactly.
@j.dunlop8295
2 ай бұрын
Ron Russell, a former boxer who happened to be walking by the scene, saw Ball attempting to kidnap Anne, and swiftly came to the rescue, punching Ball and getting Anne to safety. Russell gained widespread adulation for his role in saving Anne and was even awarded the George Medal for his bravery.
@Thecrazyvaclav
2 ай бұрын
Go check out John cruickshank VC
It was a different world - you can say that again.
What a heroic man
"Sir Jim Beaton" If anyone deserves a knighthood this guy has been overlooked big time.
@cagliari5984
2 ай бұрын
What do you mean?! Actors obviously have harder lives and have done far more.
@jungletiger1900
2 ай бұрын
@@cagliari5984 Acting is a lifestyle, its not real work.
@jungletiger1900
2 ай бұрын
You have to be rich, and mingle with politicians and be at the gatherings etc.
@cagliari5984
2 ай бұрын
@@jungletiger1900 you don’t say, it was sarcasm, actors are wayyyy over praised and payed.
@jungletiger1900
2 ай бұрын
@@cagliari5984 The lovies love themselves and are all over each other with their BS, and for sure they like most of the rich and politicians don't live in the real world, and I say that as one being comfortable but hates the injustice in this UK.
She is still cool, calm and collected! She is so classy! Outstanding woman really. 👏🏻👏🏻
@user-kj5bf9rm9d
2 ай бұрын
you don't meet many inspiring people do you?😂😂😂
@halberderdier8073
2 ай бұрын
@@user-kj5bf9rm9dprofessional troll, are you?
@douglas61920
2 ай бұрын
@@user-kj5bf9rm9dIf we did, the inspiring ones would just be normal people. It is the anomalies that we remember.
@tekarock
2 ай бұрын
@@user-kj5bf9rm9d Who said inspiring?? 🤔
@lillianflorence6056
2 ай бұрын
Better than markle
“The bodyguard who took three bullets to save Princess Anne.” That’s what bodyguards do, good job.
@pollyanna1112
2 ай бұрын
A bodyguard is aware of the fact that their job means, they may potentially be faced with bullets speeding towards them, but to have it happen in reality, it must be frightening for sure . Job or not, it's certainly courageous and selfless and not a quality that many folk truly have.
@dkgambituk
Ай бұрын
Close protection isn’t about taking bullets for your VIP. If faced with that scenario you have already failed at your job. There is a lot of contingency planning, training, risk assessing etc. The vehicle should never have stopped, the support car (chase car) and BG should have identified the threat earlier. The CP driver and BG should have sped off to contingency location A. Like the guy said, he was told to just get on with it…the Met failed at the first hurdle. SAS use to train RMP’s but have recently handed the training over to someone else. Still top tier training though.
They are all incredibly lucky to have made it out of that alive. Thank goodness. Nice to see him talk about it all these years later. He ought to have been made a Most Noble Knight of the Order of the Garter. He almost lost his life for The Princess.
@oml81mm
2 ай бұрын
He was given a George Cross. Knighthoods are not in the same league.
@geen-gekopieerde-naam
2 ай бұрын
@@oml81mm I saw the video. The point is that he almost died saving the life of The Monarch's daughter. It's people like that who should have the highest honours rather than those who get them who are not noble at all. The point is that those who should be in that league are not, and those who are in that league, don't fit the title.
@oml81mm
2 ай бұрын
You misunderstood when I said that knighthood are not in the same league. The George Cross is the highest award that can be given for bravery, in peacetime, in this country. No higher award exists.
@geen-gekopieerde-naam
2 ай бұрын
@@oml81mm Thank you. After researching what you said, I see you are correct. But there is a prestige to being made a Knight of the Garter which I think there are more deserving people who don't get it and get to take part in Garter Day celebrations whereas others do like former PMs for instance who were not so great. But I understand your point and in recognition of the fact that there are regulations surrounding these things, I feel they are not reflective of their titles in terms of the MNOOTG knighthood. Thank you for the information.
@ardshielcomplex8917
Ай бұрын
@@oml81mmNot "given" Awarded .
I remember.... Both very cool characters! & he was/is gorgeous. A lovely Scotsman❤
I have heard about this attack before, but I don't think I had ever heard that her bodyguard was shot three times protecting her. Extraordinary courage, but also why is that not more "known".
@jillosler9353
2 ай бұрын
We were told at the time.
Hero. Respect.🫡
ANNE was actually worth saving !
@MaryJane-bk9vj
2 ай бұрын
Why is she more worth than any other person?
@renierbarnard2999
Ай бұрын
@@MaryJane-bk9vjcompared to other royals in this case Like andrew
@MaryJane-bk9vj
Ай бұрын
@@renierbarnard2999 Andrew is an argument, that counts.🙈
@kimbarnett619
Ай бұрын
Absolutely
@SusiesRepeat
Ай бұрын
Not like her brothers.
What a hero ❤
Such a nice chap, gentleman.
Ron Russell, a former boxer who happened to be walking by the scene, saw Ball attempting to kidnap Anne, and swiftly came to the rescue, punching Ball and getting Anne to safety. Russell gained widespread adulation for his role in saving Anne and was even awarded the George Medal for his bravery. (Not mentioned?)
@geen-gekopieerde-naam
2 ай бұрын
It's good that you mentioned him, but this is a video about this man who was shot and hospitalized. There should be one about him too.
@taylorwhite-hg7ml
2 ай бұрын
What about Duchess Meghan MARKLE? Why is Meghan being EXCLUDED? I think I know why...........
@r.k.4172
2 ай бұрын
@@taylorwhite-hg7ml What? Miss Markle was not even born at that time and now she is completely insignificant.
@jaynekranc8607
2 ай бұрын
Because she had nothing to do with this story, and of course she's a worthless liar, unlike Anne st that age.
@stevenvitali7404
2 ай бұрын
@@r.k.4172lol
Brave officer, intelligent princess
The very definition of Grace under pressure.
He got the George Cross. Outstanding.
What a hero......God bless him for his bravery and dedication to his job! ❤🙏❤
A very brave man that carried out his duty & although injured went on to receive a well earned George Cross & many thanks from HRH Queen Elizabeth II for saving her daughters life, hero seems too small a word.
Jim Beaton 🇬🇧🫡🇦🇺 What a Bloody Legend You Are mate.
Hero in the true sence.
@brandonlanois1734
2 ай бұрын
Thank you!
Princess Anne was a heroine as well as this man ❤
@glengamble526
Ай бұрын
How so? What did she do?
Princess Anne has always been a truly lovely lady. ❤❤ So glad you are OK Sir and survived a terrible incident. 😢
Bravo. A true Hero! ❤❤❤❤❤
You really are a hero, thank you for your service ❤
Jim Beaton is a true hero and with such great humility too.
Thankyou sir very brave of you ‼️ hope you are well, very selfless man. Love Julie south Africa 💙🙏🌹
What a real man this guy is. Total respect for him .
Impressive man
What a brave man.
What a Nobel precious man.....❤
Unsung hero rarely got mentioned😚 until KZread
Thank you Sir for your bravery and service.
What a handsome man. Most definitely a true hero ❤. Bless him❤
Always good to see a hero. Respect to Inspector Jim Beaton.
It is such a shocking story. Grateful to him. The Princess Royal does so many good works.
I remember that happening when I was a kid. It was unbelievable. I do remember my parents saying the typical things that adults do when they heard that everyone was alive and it looked like the bodyguard was going to be fine. This was a real shock to the system!
There are Good people, too few and Far between, Hats off to Jim Beaton 👏
You were a great hero. May God bless you and your family. I know that Princess Anne will forever be grateful to you and God for this wonderful save.
Very brave man
I hope the Royals take very good care of Inspector Beaton and his family.
Job Well Done Sir... Your Service Is A Compliment To Your Country, God Bless You...
A very brave man!
Long live sir. You are a true hero. Sending ❤ to you
Bless him ❤
Such faithfulness, loyalty, dedication, courage and heart. God bless him. 🙏🏽❤️🇺🇸
Brave man, he saved one of the most loved and cherished member of the Crown, the precious Princess Royal.
I haven't cried for a while , but this made me cry .
Be Blessed.
So, is that a second attempt to kidnap the Primcess? That's the love for Queen and country. Amazing man!
No training, no bullet resistant cars, lax security... Pretty crazy how it needed such wake-up calls to make people take action.
@yabbamita
2 ай бұрын
Yeah I mean nowadays it's be pretty common sense to not stop your car and get out but instead get outta there while calling for backup
@jetodessa5484
2 ай бұрын
I think generally, organisations are reactive rather than proactive
@rayafk8502
Ай бұрын
You don’t know what you don’t know. Airlines are only safe now because of the accidents of the past, and learning what caused them. Cars are so safe now because they need to account for the many types of accidents that at different points in time would have been certain death. Bodyguards are trained based off conflicts and situations that have happened in the past, in order to perform better in the same situation.
A Hero.....Thank you for your service
Amazing story!😮
thank you ❤
She is very beautiful and gifted Women, Princess Anne, loyalty to fans.
Take 3 bullets as part of a job! Obviously very committed to his work . Honestly what a farking legend to step up, that is the essence of sacrifice in the service of others quite noble I think.🤠❤️🇭🇲
That's how the British systems work. Admirable. Anyone outside could copy the essence.
A legend saving a legend! ❤❤ big love for both! ❤
Hero no other words
Bless You Sir
A big thank you to the brave and loyal bodyguard!
Princess Ann has always been a class act. Nothing but love for her from 🇨🇦
Wow. Thank you Sir❤
Brave man. I respect the way he is understated. A man with presence without demanding limelight. Princess Anne the best Royal we have. His bravery was not in vain.
A true gentleman and a very brave man!! Respect!! 👍
What an absolute hero ❤
God Bless him ❤❤❤
What a charming, modest and courageous man... Another time, another age...
Now that is what one calls a hero.
Well done mate, thanks for sharing
God bless you sir ❤ atleast you survived
Prayers for Princess Anne
As the youngsters would say here in America with great respect, "You da' man, Inspector Beaton!!"
With full admiration with this heroic gentleman ❤❤❤
They follow your lead Sir. God bless.
Thanks ☀️
Brave man.
a true heroe
Hero
I’m proud of this man he was so brave
What a super guy & very brave young man ,it would be interesting to know what he did after he recovered , thank goodness he did for his young family & young wife
What a great guy.
Remain blessed sir for an excellent and devoted duty.😊🙏
I remember when this happened. He was amazing and so was Princess Anne. She was not getting out of the car!
Noble and valiant man
Brave Man
Great people always make a great job🤔
That’s crazy
THANKYOU Mr. Beaton.