The Royal Story The Royal Story
Anne, Princess Royal received an unexpected standing ovation from rugby fans in Rome after stadium cameras focused on her during a pause in Scotland’s Six Nations match against Italy — a moment that quickly spread across social media.
Video shared online shows the 75-year-old royal smiling from the stands as applause echoed around Stadio Olimpico during a second-half injury stoppage. Witnesses said Anne initially seemed unaware the cheers were meant for her until nearby spectators drew her attention to the reaction.
The warm reception took place during a rain-soaked encounter that ultimately ended in an 18–15 defeat for Scotland, intensifying concerns about a challenging championship run for coach Gregor Townsend’s side.
Italy caught the visitors off guard with a rapid start, scoring twice early on as Louis Lynagh finished a clever grubber kick from Juan Ignacio Brex, before Tommaso Menoncello surged through down the left following a defensive error. On a waterlogged pitch where handling mistakes became frequent, Scotland struggled to find momentum despite a strong close-range try from Jack Dempsey.
Paolo Garbisi’s reliable kicking ensured Italy maintained their advantage at the break, and although penalties from Finn Russell along with a late try by substitute scrum-half George Horne narrowed the gap to just three points, Italy held on in chaotic weather conditions to secure a well-earned win.
Despite disappointment among Scottish supporters, the appearance of Anne, Princess Royal sparked a warm response from the crowd — highlighting her long-standing connection with rugby in Scotland.
Anne has served as patron of the Scottish Rugby Union for nearly 30 years and has been a regular figure at Murrayfield since the early 1980s. The SRU has previously described her as “a long-standing and committed supporter of Scottish rugby,” noting that she officially opened the East Stand in 1983 and has continued attending matches in her patronal role almost every season since.
Her involvement with Scottish sport extends beyond ceremonial duties. The Princess Royal is known for regularly attending international fixtures, meeting players and officials, and maintaining a genuine interest in rugby at grassroots level.
The enthusiastic reception in Rome followed Anne’s appearance earlier in the week at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan, where she and her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, were seen cheering on Team GB from the stands at San Siro — another example of her enduring presence within British sporting life.
While Scotland departed Rome frustrated after a narrow defeat, the viral moment provided a lighter note, as supporters across the stadium briefly united in appreciation of one of rugby’s most devoted royal supporters.
