On October 12, 2025, the World Conker Championships (WCC) found an unexpected hero in King Charles, who stepped in to rescue the beloved event from potential cancellation. Concerns had been mounting among organizers due to a surprising shortage of large, competition-grade horse chestnuts, essential for the tournament’s success.

As collectors reported the scarcity of these vital conkers, the future of the 60th anniversary of the WCC seemed uncertain. However, a timely delivery from Windsor Castle provided a glimmer of hope. The package, containing over 300 high-quality conkers, arrived just in time to ensure the event could proceed as planned.

King Charles has saved the World Conker Championship

St John Burkett, a dedicated member of the championship committee, expressed his relief and gratitude to The Telegraph, stating, “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.”

St John Burkett, a championship committee member, told The Telegraph: “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.”

The package from Windsor Castle had been “picked from the castle grounds and sent via the public relations department”.

St John added: “Intriguingly, we don’t know who picked them, but like to imagine it might have been the King, at least for a few.

“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.”

Conkers have also been imported from France and Italy for the competition.

Organiser Charles Whalley said: “We’ve just had conkers from everywhere. It’s been quite extraordinary.

“It just sort of sums up the love for the championships. We’ve had them from all over Europe, Italy and France.

“We’ve just had so many emails from people offering conkers, saying plenty here, come and get them, or we can send them to you.

“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 annual World Conker Championships (WCC) will be held on Sunday (12.10.25) in Southwick, Northamptonshire and it is expected to have attract around 2,000 spectators.

Last year’s competition was embroiled in controversy after men’s winner David Jakins – who has taken part since 1977 – was accused of swapping his conker for a metal one.

He denied the claims and was cleared of cheating following an investigation, which ruled he had “achieved his title fairly”.

The traditional game sees a horse chestnut threaded onto a piece of string with pairs of contestants taking it in turn to strike each other’s conker until one breaks.

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