Princess Anne has been dubbed a “class act” for her humble reaction after receiving a surprise standing ovation during her latest appearance over the weekend. Just as her disgraced brother, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s scandal erupted in England, the Princess Royal headed to Milan, Italy, on Saturday, to attend a Six Nations match between Scotland and Italy.

Anne, who is patron of the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) and a huge fan of the sport, was caught on the big screen during the country’s first match of the tournament. In one moment, fans watching the match rose to their feet to cheer and applaud the royal, who was left stunned by their reaction.

Just a second later, she started smiling before making a comment to the person next to her.

Lip-reading expert Nicola Hickling, speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, claimed that Anne said: “Oh dear, this is a surprise, isn’t it? Though it’s a good crowd, it’s lively when they play.”

Fans loved Anne’s reaction and took to social media to praise her.

In a video on Instagram, which has gathered attention, one user wrote: “She’s a huge rugby fan, and she’s a class act, it’s no wonder.”

Another one said: “I don’t think Princess Anne realises how much love there is for her. She’s the link to the past with her mother/father and deeply respected for her tireless work and service”

A third user commented: “She didn’t realise the cheers were for her till someone told her Love that smile.”

A fourth one added: “Deserved as well. HRH is her mother’s daughter. Hard-working, caring, intelligent and diligent to the role.”

A fifth one opined: “She’s such a lovely lady. Hardest working Royal and so nice to talk to when we met her.”

It comes as Thames Valley Police has confirmed it is assessing suggestions that Anne’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, shared confidential reports from his role as the UK’s trade envoy with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing.