King Charles started the centuries-old traditional handball game of hand ba' during his visit to Jedburgh on Thursday, as part of Royal Week in Scotland. The annual game, which has been played in the Borders town since 1704, was one of several events marking the King's visit.
Dressed in an immaculate grey suit, Charles began the game in the town's main square by tossing a leather ball into the air above a group of local men. He then stepped back and watched as competitors wrestled for the ball in a heap on the ground. The full-contact game sees men and boys split into two teams based on where they live in the town: the Uppies and the Doonies.
Jethart Callant Festival and Procession
The King's visit coincided with the town's annual Jethart Callant festival, part of the 'common ridings' held across the Borders each year. Charles watched as a pipe band marched up the main street, followed by a colourful procession of horses led by the Callant—a young man chosen annually to lead the festival and represent the town. After dismounting, the Callant and his entourage danced a traditional reel on the square in front of Charles to the music of a single accordion, while crowds of onlookers clapped along.
Charles also visited local businesses and a market around the town's bandstand, where stallholders presented him with gifts including local honey and a hand-made shepherd's crook topped with a goat horn. He spent time at the Jed Shed, a community space for carpentry and other crafts, where he discussed carpentry with members and helped screw the roof onto a birdhouse. He then sat down with members in the social space to discuss how the facility supports their physical and mental wellbeing.
Royal Week in Scotland
The visit is part of Royal Week in Scotland, where the royal family undertake a series of engagements north of the border. On Tuesday, the King arrived at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh for the Ceremony of the Keys and held an investiture. Charles and Camilla last visited the Scottish Borders in 2023, when they were in Galashiels and Selkirk.
Crowds of people turned out in warm sunshine to witness the event, the first royal visit to the town since the Princess Royal opened the bandstand in 2006. On arrival, Charles was cheered by crowds of local schoolchildren, many waving saltires and Union flags, while hundreds of well-wishers lined his route through the town.
