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King Charles took part in a notable hand ba’ game in Jedburgh, located in the Scottish Borders, despite some initial worries from his security team. This vigorous street sport is believed by historians to have been played in Jedburgh for centuries, with origins that reportedly included using a captured soldier’s head as the ball. During his visit, the King officially initiated an exhibition match, marking a ceremonial start to the game.
As the event unfolded, the crowd witnessed the traditional scene of a ribboned ball being thrown into a scramble between two sides: the Uppies and the Doonies. The Uppies aimed to advance the ball toward Jedburgh’s castle, while the Doonies sought to move it toward the Jedwater river. Charlie Young, president of the Jethart Callants Club, was on hand to share the history and tradition of the unruly game with King Charles. Young recalled that the King was taken aback when the play shifted toward him, requiring his security personnel to come closer, but expressed pride that “the King put the ball up and into play.”
Though the match itself lasted only three minutes, it was a lively display and a rare example of this ancient competition. Only 14 such traditional hand ba’ contests are still held regularly in Britain. King Charles mentioned that his experience with this historic game was not new; he had previously inaugurated the Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide game in Derbyshire. Veteran participant Tam Miller called the event a great honour, noting the tradition’s endurance over 500 years and highlighting the ongoing support from younger players. Miller remarked,
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