Princess Anne and Scottish rugby captain Sione Tuipulotu finally shared a warm embrace following Scotland’s recent Six Nations match against Ireland, bringing to a close a light-hearted sequence of events that began with an awkward moment weeks earlier. This playful exchange has since caught the public’s attention and become a mini viral sensation.
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The encounter that initiated the recent buzz occurred in February when Tuipulotu approached the Princess Royal, eager to celebrate Scotland’s impressive victory over England. However, when the rugby star attempted to offer a hug, Anne deftly turned it into a handshake instead, leaving both parties with broad smiles but a hint of awkwardness. This moment was playful and humorous, reflecting the light-hearted nature of both the athlete and the royal.
Fast forward to Saturday, March 14, after Scotland’s match against Ireland. The two finally exchanged the long-anticipated hug, which played out in the visiting team’s locker room at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The Scottish Rugby Twitter account shared a video capturing the embrace, with Tuipulotu expressing gratitude for finally getting the hug he had been hoping for. The camaraderie was evident as he joked, “Away from the crowd!” while gently patting the Princess on the shoulder.
Tuipulotu’s attempt to break the ice has gained traction, and Anne’s light-hearted reaction in subsequent matches added to the narrative. After Scotland’s game against France on March 7, Tuipulotu again pretended to lean in for a hug, prompting another playful reaction from the Princess, who this time raised her hands for another handshake and gracefully opted for that interaction. The dynamic between the two has brought joy and laughter to rugby fans and royal observers alike.
The rugby star addressed the cheeky viral moment in an interview with ITV Sport, mentioning that many people have joked that he might be “in trouble” with the Princess. “But I’m vibing with Princess Anne, and I don’t feel like she thinks I’m in trouble,” he quipped. Tuipulotu further expressed that he felt a good rapport with Anne and labelled her an “icon.” He added, “Growing up in Australia, I don’t know much about the royal family, but I think she looks cool up in the stands with her shades on.”
Princess Anne, who has been the patron of the Scottish Rugby Union since 1986, has showcased her support for rugby while displaying a congenial spirit. Her son-in-law, Mike Tindall, a former English rugby player, also joined in on the fun regarding the pair’s earlier misadventure, joking about it on his podcast, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby.
Despite their informal interactions, it is worth noting the royal protocol regarding physical contact. Members of the British royal family can be greeted with curtsies or bows, and while handshakes are acceptable, initiating any form of physical contact is typically discouraged. This protocol can lead to occasionally awkward situations, as illustrated by television personality Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who shared her own similar experience when she tried to hug the late Queen Elizabeth II at a state dinner.
The playful encounters between Princess Anne and Sione Tuipulotu not only reflect a charming interaction between a royal figure and a sports star but also highlight the ease with which they can engage with the public and each other. Their rapport has provided a light-hearted moment in the sporting calendar, reminding everyone that joy can often be found in the simplest of gestures—a hug, or rather a handshake turned hug.