King Charles has come to the rescue of a beloved British tradition by providing hundreds of chestnuts to organisers facing a critical shortage.
Windsor Castle dispatched a parcel containing more than 300 conkers, securing the future of the World Conker Championships just as the tournament approached.
Committee member St John Burkett expressed delight at receiving the royal contribution.
He said: “It was a real joy to have conkers sent to us this time.
“The Windsor Castle delivery was of really good quality. They were fantastic, they were the ones that really ensured we could go ahead.”
King Charles has come to the rescue of a beloved British tradition by providing hundreds of chestnuts to organisers facing a critical shortage.
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GETTY
The chestnuts were gathered from the castle’s grounds and forwarded through the palace’s public relations office.
Mr Burkett joked: “Intriguingly, we don’t know who picked them, but like to imagine it might have been the King, at least for a few.”
The committee has designated the Windsor chestnuts for a special purpose.
Mr Burkett said: “We are extremely grateful, and can already say a conker from Royal Windsor will win the final, as we have reserved them to be used in the finals.”
Windsor Castle dispatched a parcel containing more than 300 conkers, securing the future of the World Conker Championships just as the tournament approached.
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GETTY
Organisers had feared cancellation after collectors struggled to find suitably large chestnuts for competition use.
However, improved weather alongside generous donations from across Europe resolved the crisis.
Charles Whalley, another organiser, told The Telegraph about the overwhelming response: “We’ve just had conkers from everywhere. It’s been quite extraordinary.”
The chestnuts were gathered from the castle’s grounds and forwarded through the palace’s public relations office.
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GETTY
He noted contributions had arrived from all over Europe, including Italy and France.
Mr Whalley said: “With the support from Europe and what’s left in the trees at the moment, we are delighted to say that all is good.”
The tournament takes place today in Southwick, Northamptonshire, with approximately 2,000 spectators anticipated.