Princess Anne has been announced as patron of Scottish Rugby’s own charity.

The Princess Royal, 74, has been made patron of The Murrayfield Injured Players Foundation (MIPF) which provides support to injured players in the grassroots game in Scotland.

The charity was established in 1973 and helps amateur players facing hardships due to injury.

MIPF chair Ian Rankin said: “The Princess Royal has been a dedicated supporter of the Scotland rugby team through umpteen swings of fortune since the 1980s, performing the official opening of Murrayfield’s East Stand in 1983 and becoming the SRU’s Patron in 1986.

“Her passion for sport, her commitment to the game at all levels, is well documented and we are honoured to have her join us as our Patron.”

In the last financial year, the Murrayfield Injured Players Foundation has supported 18 players in the men’s game and eight in the women’s game.

The princess’ new role comes a month after Anne - who is often dubbed the hardest-working royal for the high number of engagements she carries out every year - shut down the concept of retirement.

During an interview with PA after a royal tour of South Africa, Anne was asked whether she would consider retirement in the future.

The King’s sister said: “It isn't really an option.”

She continued: "It really isn't written in, no. It isn't really an option, no, I don't think so.

“You're jolly lucky... if you can continue to be more or less compos mentis and last summer I was very close to not being. Take each day as it comes, they say."