During a visit to Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders as part of Royal Week in Scotland, King Charles III participated in a traditional ball game known as hand ba’. The event, which has been a local tradition since 1704, involved the King starting the game by tossing a leather ball into the air for local men to wrestle over. The game, played in the town’s main square, featured two teams, the Uppies and the Doonies, competing vigorously for possession of the ball.
Accompanied by a lively procession including a pipe band and horses led by the Callant, a young man chosen to represent the festival, King Charles III observed various traditional displays and activities. He interacted with locals, visited local businesses, and even engaged in carpentry activities at the Jed Shed, a community space for crafts and skills sharing.
The King’s visit drew crowds of well-wishers and onlookers who cheered and lined the streets to catch a glimpse of him. Residents and visitors expressed their delight at the royal visit, with many appreciating the King’s interest in the local community and businesses. The visit was part of the Royal Week in Scotland, which includes a series of engagements in different locations across the region.
