King Charles Joins Historic Borders Hand Ba' Game in Jedburgh
King Charles took part in a historic hand ba' game in the Borders town of Jedburgh, despite some concerns from his security team. The street sport, believed by historians to have been played in Jedburgh for centuries, is reputed to have originally used a captured soldier's head as the ball.
The royal guest officially commenced an exhibition match during his visit to the town. As the intense scrummage approached him, royal security personnel moved in closer to ensure his safety.
The Jedburgh hand ba' game is one of the few remaining examples of this traditional street sport.
Game Commencement and Teams
The proceedings began in Jedburgh with a ribboned ball being thrown into a ruck formed by two teams. One team, known as the Uppies, aims to carry the ball towards the town's castle, while the opposing Doonies attempt to move it towards the Jedwater river.
Historical Context and Royal Interaction
Charlie Young, president of the Jethart Callants Club, explained the history of the lawless sport to King Charles during the match.
"King Charles got a bit of a shock when the play swung in his direction and a few of the security guys had to come a bit closer. But what an honour for us to have the King put the ball up and into play."
Although only 14 traditional hand ba' games are reportedly still regularly held in Britain, King Charles revealed that Jedburgh was not his first experience with the ancient sport, having previously officially started the Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide game in Derbyshire.
Exhibition Match and Local Reactions
The exhibition match between the Uppie and Doonie teams lasted approximately three minutes but provided ample entertainment for spectators.
Experienced hand ba' player Tam Miller commented on the occasion:
"This is our tradition that goes back 500 years and it's a great honour for us to have the King start one of our games. Our hand ba' is still well supported by the younger men in the town - and we can now call it the royal hand ba' game from now on."
Throughout the game, security guards observed closely as the match unfolded in front of King Charles.
Jethart Callant's Festival and Royal Visit
The royal visit coincided with the start of the Jethart Callant's Festival. The town's principals arrived on horseback to greet His Majesty and led a traditional reel dance in the market square as part of the day's celebrations.
Callant Robbie Thomson described the experience:
"Riding up the street with the flag and seeing the King waiting for us was absolutely brilliant. King Charles had lot of questions about the dancing and the rideouts we are doing during the festival. The festival is only just starting but this feels like the icing on the cake already."
Community Engagement and Tour
King Charles spent over three hours in Jedburgh, meeting local retailers, market traders, and thousands of residents who lined the streets to welcome him.
He was also given a guided tour of a local company that produces insulation material from UK hemp crops.
The visit was part of Royal Week in Scotland, during which the royal family undertakes a series of engagements across the country. The visits began on Tuesday with King Charles arriving at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh for the Ceremony of the Keys and an investiture.
