In the annals of history, there have been numerous cases of assassination attempts on prominent figures. Remarkably, Queen Elizabeth II, the monarch of the United Kingdom, has faced five known assassination attempts during her reign. Astonishingly, the closest call came from an unexpected source – a 17-year-old New Zealander armed with a .22 caliber rifle. Despite his intentions, he missed so badly that no one even realized shots were fired. In this article, we delve into the intriguing details of these assassination attempts, shedding light on the events and the people involved.
Attempt #1: The 17-Year-Old New Zealander
The Plot Unveiled
Surprising as it may seem, a teenager from New Zealand aimed to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to his homeland in 1981. Secretly harboring malicious intentions, the 17-year-old, whose identity remains undisclosed, obtained a .22 caliber rifle and sought to launch a deadly attack.
The Failed Attempt
On the day of the incident, the young assailant positioned himself on the fifth floor of a building overlooking Queen Elizabeth II’s route. Despite his careful planning and intent to cause harm, his marksmanship skills proved woefully inadequate. In a rather humorous twist of fate, his shots missed the target so wildly that it went unnoticed, leaving both the Queen and those around her unaffected by the assassination attempt.
Attempt #2: The Cunning Assassin
The Intricate Scheme
One of the more audacious attempts came in 1970 when a disturbed individual sought to take Queen Elizabeth II’s life during a visit to Australia. Prime Minister John Gorton unveiled this chilling plot while recounting the incident to the Parliament years later.
The Failed Attempt
Fortunately, the criminal mastermind’s plan failed due to meticulous security precautions. Unbeknownst to him, his proposed method of attack was swiftly intercepted, leading to his arrest before he could carry out his sinister ploy.
Attempt #3: The Astonishing Surprise
The Brazen Plan
In 1994, Queen Elizabeth II found herself the target of a shocking assassination scheme outside Buckingham Palace. The plan involved an individual attempting to hijack a Royal Navy frigate on the River Thames and bombard the Palace, with intentions to eventually assassinate the Queen.
The Failed Attempt
The audacious plot was unraveled by intelligence agencies before it reached fruition. Swift action from security forces thwarted the assailant’s plan, averting any potential danger to the Queen.
Attempt #4: The Foiled Kidnapping
The Desperate Kidnapper
Undoubtedly one of the most daring endeavors, an ambitious plot to abduct Queen Elizabeth II failed tragically in 1981. Known as Operation Anderson, the scheme aimed to coerce the Queen into calling a general election in the United Kingdom.
The Failed Attempt
Miraculously, the meticulous planning of the security team prevented the execution of Operation Anderson. The plotters were apprehended, and the monarch remained untouched by their appalling scheme.
Attempt #5: The Persevering Stalker
The Obsessed Stalker
The final known assassination attempt on Queen Elizabeth II occurred in 1982 at a garden party in New Zealand. Christopher John Lewis, driven by his obsession with the Queen, meticulously planned to commit the ultimate crime.
The Failed Attempt
Fortunately, the tight-knit security detail around the Queen detected Lewis’s suspicious behavior and moved her swiftly to safety. Consequently, Lewis was apprehended and the Queen emerged unharmed.
FAQ: Questions and Answers
1. Q: How many assassination attempts have there been on Queen Elizabeth II?
A: There have been five known assassination attempts on Queen Elizabeth II.
2. Q: When did the closest assassination attempt occur?
A: The closest attempt took place during her visit to New Zealand in 1981.
3. Q: Who attempted to assassinate the Queen with a .22 caliber rifle?
A: A 17-year-old New Zealander was responsible for the failed attempt.
4. Q: Were there any other dangerous plots against the Queen?
A: Yes, there were other audacious schemes, such as an attempted hijacking and a kidnapping plot.
5. Q: How effective were the security measures in preventing these attempts?
A: The security measures and the vigilance of the Queen’s security teams played a pivotal role in foiling these attempts, ensuring her safety.
Queen Elizabeth II, as the longest-reigning monarch in British history, has faced numerous challenges during her reign, including several assassination attempts. From the ill-fated teenager to the cunning mastermind, these attempts serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by world leaders. Thankfully, due to the resilience of the security systems surrounding the Queen, her life has been safeguarded time and time again. The failures of these assassins highlight the importance of unwavering vigilance and stringent security protocols in protecting influential figures.
