King Charles III was met with an unexpected sight as he kicked off a centuries-old traditional ball game involving wrestling on the streets. The monarch, clad in a sharp grey suit, initiated the game in Jedburgh, Scotland, where the annual hand ba’ game has been a tradition since 1704.
During the event, the King witnessed men competing fiercely for the ball, divided into teams known as the Uppies and the Doonies based on their town residences. This spectacle was part of the town’s Jethart Callant festival, which is a highlight of the “common ridings” celebrated yearly across the Borders.
Accompanied by a pipe band and a procession of horses, led by the Callant representing the town, Charles enjoyed a traditional reel dance performance. He also toured local businesses and a market, receiving gifts such as honey and a handmade shepherd’s crook.
At the Jed Shed, a community space for carpentry and crafts, the King engaged with members, even assisting in building a birdhouse. The visit drew a large crowd under the sunny skies, marking the first royal presence in town since 2006.
Local residents, including Shaun Carroll and Julie Gallagher, expressed delight at the King’s interaction with them during his stroll through Jedburgh. Emma Tennant, a stallholder, praised Charles’s interest in supporting local bee populations and his appreciation for the gifts received.
The royal visit to Jedburgh was part of Royal Week in Scotland, where the royal family undertakes engagements north of the border. The week kicked off with a ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, with Charles and Camilla making previous visits to the Scottish Borders in 2023.