Princess Anne’s Priceless Reaction on Realising Scotland Crowd Is Cheering For Her – Video
She may be 75 — but the Princess Royal is proving she's still a national treasure in the making, and rugby fans can't get enough.
Princess Anne, beloved sister to King Charles III, made a surprise appearance at the Guinness Six Nations 2026 clash between Italy and Scotland this past Saturday, 7 February, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome — and stole the show without saying a word.
A screengrab of a video dated 7 February 2026. | Source: Instagram/wantedinrome
As injury time ticked on, cameras suddenly cut to the royal in the stands. The crowd erupted into cheers and thunderous applause, offering an outpouring of affection that visibly caught her off guard.
A screengrab of a video dated 7 February 2026. | Source: Instagram/wantedinrome
For Anne, who's been patron of Scottish Rugby since 1988 and a lifelong supporter of the national team, it was a deeply emotional moment. But it was her reaction — and not just her presence — that captured hearts around the world.
A screengrab of a video dated 7 February 2026. | Source: Instagram/wantedinrome
According to lip-reading expert Nicola Hickling, the Princess was modestly taken aback. Speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, Hickling revealed that Anne turned with a puzzled expression before breaking into a gentle smile and saying:
"Oh dear, this is a surprise, isn't it? Though it's a good crowd, it's lively when they play."
A screengrab of a video dated 7 February 2026. | Source: Instagram/wantedinrome
The brief clip has since gone viral, with fans rushing to praise the Princess's humility and grace.
"A class above most," one declared. "I think she's in danger of becoming a National Treasure," another quipped.
Princess Anne, Princess Royal (C) attends the Guinness Six Nations 2026 match between Italy and Scotland at Stadio Olimpico on 7 February 2026 in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
"We love Anne! I wish she was our Queen. The best of her mother, our late Majesty, the Queen, and her father," wrote a third. "Anne is the epitome of what a royal should be. She would have made a wonderful Queen," someone else raved.
Princess Anne, Princess Royal (C) attends the Guinness Six Nations 2026 match between Italy and Scotland at Stadio Olimpico on 7 February 2026 in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
"She has all the charisma of our Queen... God bless," added another. "Scots are not always fans of the Royals but Princess Anne stands head and shoulders above everyone else. Class act," one viewer noted.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUd16AOiGdt/?igsh=bjV0NjV4YjRnNHR2&mWidth=350&mHeight=659&dWidth=600&dHeight=970Princess Anne's devotion to Scotland and the national rugby team runs deep — and it's not just royal duty. Her son, Peter Phillips, once played for Scotland's youth squad while attending Gordonstoun, and despite her son-in-law being former England star Mike Tindall, her heart has always beat for the thistle.