John Dymoke News Today

Francis Dymoke, who has died aged 68, was a former accountant and Lincolnshire farmer who, at the Coronation of King Charles III on May 6 this year, was seen by millions of television viewers around the world leading the royal couple into Westminster Abbey carrying the Royal Standard as the King’s Champion – a ceremonial role that had been performed by members of his family since the reign of William the Conqueror.

Role has been passed down Francis Dymoke's family since 1066 and involves bearing Royal Standard and walking in coronation procession

Tributes have been paid to the King’s Champion, Francis Dymoke, after he died aged 68 on Monday.

​​A saddle thought to have first been used in the coronation of George III in 1760 forms part of a new display of coronation artefacts coming after the Coronation of King Charles III.

My family are tied to almost a millennium of Coronations. Today, I felt the weight of history on me

In a modernized tradition, the King’s Champion won’t challenge anyone who doubts the new king, nor ride into Westminster Abbey on horseback. So what will he do?

Francis Dymoke (pictured) is the 34th Kings Champion in an unbroken family line since William the Conqueror gave the job - and the Lordship of the Manor of Scrivelsby - to a Norman forebear.

Since 1066 Francis Dymoke’s family has played a ceremonial role in coronations, something he hopes will continue when Charles III is crowned