Princess Anne's Royal Rugby Mix-Up at Murrayfield
In a light-hearted case of mistaken identity, Princess Anne confused England rugby player Joe Heyes with the retired star Joe Marler during the Calcutta Cup pre-match formalities at Murrayfield last Saturday. The Princess Royal, serving as patron of Scottish Rugby, stopped to chat with Heyes, believing him to be Marler, and even complimented his performance on the celebrity version of The Traitors.
A Royal Encounter Turns Awkward
"She thought I was Joe Marler which was ... quite upsetting," revealed Heyes, the 26-year-old Leicester tighthead prop. "She said: 'You're awfully funny on TV.'" Despite the mix-up, Heyes handled the situation diplomatically, stating, "Who am I to correct her? I didn't really know what to say. I almost went with it." He admitted to feeling starstruck during the encounter, which occurred as Princess Anne was introduced to the England team.
Background on the Players Involved
Joe Marler, 35, retired from rugby in November 2024 after earning 95 caps for England and gained further fame through his appearance on BBC's Celebrity Traitors, where he reached the final round. In contrast, Joe Heyes was winning his 19th cap for England during the match. Princess Anne has been patron of Scottish Rugby since 1986, and her daughter Zara is married to former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall, adding a personal connection to the sport.
Not the First Time for Confusion
Heyes noted that this wasn't the first instance of being mistaken for Marler, though it was certainly the most high-profile. "I've had all sorts about me looking like Joe Marler, but not from a royal," he said. Despite the error, Heyes emphasized the significance of the moment, saying, "I do like it when you get to meet the patron of whatever union you're playing against. It's a very cool moment."
Broader Context and Reactions
The incident highlights the occasional overlaps between royal duties and sports, as well as the public's familiarity with celebrities from shows like The Traitors. While Princess Anne's mix-up provided a humorous anecdote, it also underscored the challenges of recognizing players in the fast-paced world of rugby, where similar appearances can lead to such confusions.
