The King‘s security officers came quickly to his aid during a public engagement on Thursday.
Charles, 77, took part in a centuries-old handball game during a visit to Jedburgh in Roxburghshire, but it was all a bit too close for his protection team’s liking.
The monarch threw in the first ba’ for the handba’ game, which dates back to 1704, with 20 burly players immediately rushing in towards it, just feet away from the King.
His security detail immediately formed a protective stance around him and guided him backwards as the competitors wrestled for a ball in a heap on the ground.
However, Charles, dressed in an immaculate grey suit, was unfazed and continued chatting with them while admiring the sport before him.
Before it began, he asked the men where the “health and safety” was, to which one replied: “There is no health and safety here!”
Jethart Callants Club president Charlie Young said: “The King was chuckling away at what was going on. He was loving the roughness of it all.
“He actually knows the game and said he had played it in Ashbourne in Derbyshire but I have no idea when that was.”
© Getty ImagesCharlie said the game is full contact and doesn’t really have any rules, so “got a wee bit heated” in front of the King.
King Charles’s security team
King Charles has automatic 24-hour security funded by the taxpayer. Only the monarch and heir plus their close family get around-the-clock protection.
Charles also has a personal bodyguard, though he recently bid a fond farewell to his loyal protector of many years, called Jag, who had previously only been recognised by his impressive beard.
© Getty ImagesFor example, he was seen watching the King closely at his coronation in 2023, on the constant lookout for any threats.
However, earlier this week, it was revealed that the King is seeking a new individual with “discretion” for a security role at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland.
The King’s son, Prince Harry, who is scheduled to visit the UK this week, has faced a security battle since stepping down as a senior royal in 2020, when his automatic police protection was removed. It’s understood that he’s still waiting on a final decision.
Why is the royal family in Scotland this week?
King Charles was visiting Jedburgh as part of Royal Week in Scotland. His visit coincided with the town’s annual Jethart Callant festival, which is part of the “common ridings” held across the borders each year.
© Getty ImagesDuring Royal Week, the royal family undertakes a series of engagements north of the border.
Visits began on Tuesday, with the King arriving at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh for the Ceremony of the Keys and holding an investiture.
On Wednesday, the King and Queen attended the Order of the Thistle service at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh alongside the Duke of Rothesay (Prince William) and Prince Edward.
Charles and Camilla last visited the Scottish Borders in 2023, when they were in Galashiels and Selkirk.
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