Edinburgh locals were left scratching their heads as a royal car was spotted outside JD Sports in the city centre on Wednesday afternoon.
Jokes were exchanged in response to the car being parked outside the popular sportswear shop, with one user suggesting a member of the royal family nipped in to buy some new threads.
They quipped: "Princess Michael of Kent needs new trackie bottoms."
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But a more plausible explanation later emerged with the BMW - left on double yellow lines in a taxi rank on the busy street - believed to have been used to transport Princess Anne to an event at the nearby Merchants' Hall on Hanover Street.
Locals took to Twitter after walking past the car with the Royal Standard flag at the driver's side, as the Princess Royal has been spotted in the capital and East Lothian in the last 24 hours.
A spokesperson for Edinburgh Council confirmed they own the car and it is used for both royal and civic duties, but it was under Police Scotland's management on Wednesday.
The black BMW, with the private plate 'S 10', has also been used to transport the Lord Provost to civic duties around the city in previous years, but was drafted in during the 72 year-old's special visit.
The exact nature of the Princess Royal's visit to the capital is unknown, but it is understood that she attended an event at the Merchants' Hall on the same street.
Another Edinburgh eyewitness also spotted the Princess being escorted to her helicopter at Holyrood Park on Thursday morning following a brief stay at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The 72-year-old was then spotted at Winterfield Park in Dunbar a short while later. Police Scotland and the Royal Family press office have been approached for comment.
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