King Charles Launches 500-Year-Old Jedburgh Hand Ba' Game During 3-Hour Scottish Visit
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 2
King Charles Launches 500-Year-Old Jedburgh Hand Ba' Game During 3-Hour Scottish Visit
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 2
Summary
King Charles officially put the ribboned ball into play in a three-minute exhibition of Jedburgh’s hand ba' game, a centuries-old street sport staged during his visit to the Borders town.
Security guards briefly moved in as the scrum drifted toward the King, but he was unharmed and players said it was an honor to have him start the match.
Only 14 traditional hand ba' games are still regularly played in Britain, and local participants said the royal appearance gave fresh prominence to a tradition they trace back 500 years.
More than three hours in Jedburgh, Charles also met retailers, traders and schoolchildren, toured a hemp-insulation business, and watched horseback arrivals and dancing for the Jethart Callant's Festival.
The stop formed part of Royal Week in Scotland, the annual run of engagements that began Tuesday with the King's arrival at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.