Princess Anne's Mistaken Identity at Calcutta Cup

During the pre-match formalities of the Calcutta Cup at Murrayfield, Princess Anne mistakenly identified Joe Heyes, a Leicester tighthead prop, as former England rugby player Joe Marler. The incident occurred as the Princess Royal, who serves as the patron of Scottish Rugby, engaged with the England team. Unaware that Marler had retired from rugby 15 months prior, she complimented Heyes on his performance in the celebrity version of The Traitors, stating, “You’re awfully funny on TV.”

The Guardian

• Princess Anne: The patron of Scottish Rugby since 1986, she is known for her involvement in various sports and charitable activities.

The Guardian

• Joe Heyes: A 26-year-old Leicester tighthead prop, Heyes was earning his 19th cap for England during the match. He handled the situation diplomatically, choosing not to correct the Princess about her mistake.

The Guardian

• Joe Marler: The retired England rugby player, who won 95 caps for his country, gained public attention after his participation in the BBC's Celebrity Traitors.

The Guardian

Joe Heyes expressed a mix of surprise and amusement at the incident, stating, “I was a bit starstruck to start with.” He acknowledged the awkwardness of the situation but opted to avoid a diplomatic incident by not correcting Princess Anne. He added, “Who am I to correct her? I didn’t really know what to say. I almost went with it.” This reflects a common sentiment among athletes when interacting with high-profile figures.

The Guardian

The incident highlights the challenges of public recognition in sports, particularly for players who may not have the same level of fame as their predecessors. Joe Heyes noted that he has often been compared to Marler, but this was the first time it occurred in such a notable context. The mix-up also underscores the ongoing public interest in rugby and its players, especially following Marler's recent visibility on television.

The Guardian

• “She thought I was Joe Marler which was … quite upsetting,” — Joe Heyes, England Rugby Player

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• “I do like it when you get to meet the patron of whatever union you’re playing against. It’s a very cool moment.” — Joe Heyes, England Rugby Player

The Guardian

The mistaken identity incident involving Princess Anne and Joe Heyes serves as a light-hearted moment in the world of rugby, illustrating the intersection of sports and celebrity culture. It also emphasizes the importance of recognition and identity within the sport, particularly as new players emerge in the public eye.

The Guardian