Kate Middleton and Prince William Humorously Decline Prince Louis’s First Patronage Invite
At just 7 years old, Prince Louis, the youngest child of Prince William and Kate Middleton, has received an honorary patronage offer. This opportunity stems from his newfound interest in collecting conkers, which caught the attention of the World Conkers Championship during a public engagement.
Prince Louis’s First Patronage Offer
The World Conkers Championship contacted Kensington Palace after the Princess of Wales mentioned her son’s enthusiasm for conkers in September. Conkers are the glossy seeds of the horse chestnut tree and are often collected during fall. Kate shared that their household was filled with conkers, saying, “We keep finding conkers in cupboards, in his bed—conkers everywhere!”
Humorous Decline
In a light-hearted response, Kensington Palace declined the invitation. A spokesperson humorously stated, “We really appreciate the invite, but currently Prince Louis is ‘conker-trating’ on his studies.” This clever play on words captured the attention of many, emphasizing the importance of Louis’s education at this young age.
The World Conkers Championship
The World Conkers Championship has been raising funds for charitable causes since 1965, having generated over $563,000 (£420,000) for organizations that assist the visually impaired. The event takes place annually on the second Sunday of October, where participants compete for the titles of Conker King and Queen.
Charitable Impact
- Established: 1965
- Funds Raised: Over $563,000 (£420,000)
- Annual Event: Second Sunday in October
John Burkett, a spokesperson for the championship, expressed enthusiasm about Louis’s interest in conkers, stating that he would have made a perfect honorary patron. He noted the significance of connecting children with nature through such activities.
The Royal Family’s Connection to Conkers
Prince Louis resides at the Adelaide Cottage at Windsor Castle along with his family, where conkers are plentiful on the estate. The royal family even contributed conkers to support the championship, ensuring the event was a success.
Focus on Education
While public engagements are a part of royal duties, Prince William has emphasized that education remains a priority for his children. During a visit to South Africa, he mentioned, “Family-wise, you’ll have to wait a little bit longer, because obviously they’re at school.”
As the royal family continues to navigate these engagements, Prince Louis’s adorable fascination with conkers remains a charming highlight of their public life.
