The Princess Royal, a long-time supporter and patron of Scottish rugby, was among thousands of spectators at the Stadio Olimpico as Scotland faced Italy. While the match itself delivered plenty of drama, it was a brief camera shot of Anne that quickly stole attention both in the stadium and online.
A surprise reaction on the big screen
During the game, cameras panned across the crowd and landed on Princess Anne. As her face appeared on the stadium’s giant screen, the atmosphere shifted instantly. Applause rippled through the stands, quickly swelling into loud cheers.
At first, Anne appeared momentarily puzzled by the sudden noise. The person seated beside her reportedly leaned in to explain that the ovation was directed at her. Realising what was happening, she responded with a warm smile before breaking into laughter as the crowd continued applauding.
What did Princess Anne say?
According to lip reading expert Nicola Hickling, Anne’s reaction reflected her trademark modesty.
The expert suggested the Princess Royal appeared to say:
“Oh dear, this is a surprise, isn’t it? Though it’s a good crowd, it’s lively when they play.”