Prince Charles got quite a boost from locals when he turned out to lend his support to the annual Shrovetide football match in Derbyshire. The Prince officially launched the traditional sporting clash, which dates back to 1683. As he held aloft the cork-filled ball, "bonnie Prince Charlie" – as the locals know him – got a lift from a few loyal subjects.
The much feted Ashbourne event has a long history of royal participation – indeed Edward VIII was the first to take part, when he threw in the ball to open the game in 1928.
Locals proudly point out that Shrovetide footie predates its more modern cousin, and most premiership stars wouldn't be up to the rigours of game. Firstly, there are no rules, so the Prince need to worry about handling the ball. And secondly, full body contact is a veritable requirement - the use of brute force is expected (and encouraged) and the ball can be kicked, carried or thrown.
Lastly, and most importantly, there is no limit to the number of players on each team. The goal posts are about three miles apart, with a stream running through the middle, and anyone is allowed to join in, so every year the town's menfolk split up into those born north of Henmore Brook ("the Up'ards") and those born to its south ("the Down'ards"). And at the very moment of kick-off, as you can imagine, all hell breaks loose. This year some 3,000 eager competitors turned out for the game.
Fortunately Charles was afforded an elevated platform from which to throw the ball. He was also supplied with several burly guards to stop any over-eager participants from making an early tackle. One wonders how David Beckham would have fared?
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
