England prop Joe Heyes has shared a humorous royal encounter, revealing that Princess Anne mistakenly identified him as former teammate and television personality Joe Marler ahead of the Calcutta Cup clash. The Princess Royal, serving as patron of the Scottish Rugby Union, met both teams before the match at Murrayfield and later presented the trophy to victorious Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu.
A Royal Case of Mistaken Identity
During the pre-match introductions, Princess Anne apparently confused the 26-year-old tighthead Heyes with retired loosehead Marler, who has built a successful entertainment career since ending his playing days in 2024. "She thought I was Joe Marler which was... quite upsetting," Heyes confessed about his interaction with the royal. "She said: 'You're awfully funny on TV.' It was a very cool experience. I do like it when you get to meet the patron of whatever union you're playing against."
Starstruck Silence
When questioned whether he corrected the royal error, Heyes admitted with laughter: "Not really because I was a bit starstruck to start with. Who am I to correct her? I didn't really know what to say. I almost went with it! I've had all sorts about me looking like Joe Marler – but not from a royal."
Royal Rugby Connections
Princess Anne's daughter Zara is married to former England captain Mike Tindall, who famously won the 2003 Rugby World Cup. The Princess Royal appears to be a viewer of the celebrity edition of the BBC's hit show The Traitors, which dominated television ratings in 2025. An impressive 14.9 million viewers tuned in as Marler reached the finale, though he ultimately lost to traitor Alan Carr.
The incident highlights the intersection of royal protocol, sporting tradition, and popular entertainment culture. While Heyes took the mistaken identity in good humor, the episode demonstrates how celebrity status from television can sometimes overshadow professional athletic achievements in public recognition.
