How Prince Andrew Was Supposed To Be Kidnapped In Exchange For Convicted Terrorists

Prince Andrew was once a victim a failed kidnapping plot that could’ve risked his life and the life of his cousin, George, the Earl of St. Andrews, in 1971.

In the book “Andrew: The Playboy Prince,” royal biographer Andrew Morton said that Prince Andrew realized just before his 11^th birthday that his life could never be completely normal.

“Special Branch had heard of a proposal IRA kidnap plot. Andrew or his cousin, George, the Earl of St. Andrews, was the possible victims… The plan was to hold them in exchange for the release of convicted terrorists,” he said.

But in order to ensure the two royals’ safety, gun-toting guards were asked to watch over Prince Andrew and George round the clock. Queen Elizabeth II was informed about the alleged kidnapping plot, and she advised everyone to behave as normal.

“In the end, the plot did not materialize although the threat could not be ignored,” Morton said.

Several years ago, it was reported that five gunmen planned to snatch George from the Duke of Kent’s country home in Buckinghamshire. Special Branch officers found out about the plot after infiltrating extremist groups.

Princess Margaret’s two children, Viscount Linley, and Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones were also placed under strict security measures just earlier after another kidnap plot was reported.

It was revealed at that time that an anonymous caller phoned a London newspaper about the plans to abduct Viscount Linley as a hostage for the release of Reginald and Ronald Kray.

In 1974, there were also attempts to kidnap Princess Anne when Ian Ball held the Queen’s only daughter at gunpoint in her car while near the Buckingham Palace. Ball told Princess Anne that he had planned to hold her for ransom but was unable to do so after he was detained by passersby and Princess Anne’s protection officers.

Ball pled guilty to attempted murder and kidnapping, and he also injured three men in the incident.