Fifty years ago, Princess Anne, the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, was a controversial figure at the heart of royal scandals and public criticism.

At the time, the press labeled her as arrogant, and society distanced itself from her.

Anne was seen as the privileged royal who didn’t fit the mold of a gracious princess, and her blunt demeanor didn’t endear her to the public.

But in a stunning turn of events, a shocking incident would change everything, turning Anne from one of the most unpopular royals into a symbol of resilience and hard work.

This unexpected twist in Anne’s life occurred in 1974, when she became the target of a shocking attempted kidnapping. At the time, she was traveling with her then-husband, Captain Mark Phillips, after a charity event. Their car was ambushed by an armed assailant intent on abducting the Princess. Anne’s response to the situation — her now-famous words “Not bloody likely” — and her calmness in the face of danger, earned her the admiration of the public. The incident, though harrowing, showcased her bravery and wit, and in an instant, transformed her image.

However, despite these accomplishments, Anne was often criticized for her bluntness and unfiltered responses. Her sharp tongue earned her the reputation of being unapproachable. A notorious incident in 2000, when she dismissed an elderly admirer’s bouquet as “ridiculous,” and the media uproar that followed, seemed to cement this public image. It was at this low point, though, that Princess Anne’s transformation began, catalyzed by the kidnapping attempt.