A WIDOW’S plans to get England’s Three Lions on her footie-mad hubby’s headstone have been blocked as she needs the King’s permission.
Tracy Bilclough promised John, who died in 2020 aged 60, the emblem would mark his grave.
Roland LeonTracy Bilclough planned to have the England logo engraved on her husband John’s gravestone, who was football mad[/caption]
Roland LeonThe engraving was blocked by a judge who told Tracy she would need the King’s permission to use the Three Lions emblem[/caption]
But a Church of England judge refused as the “stylized heraldic lions” belong to the Crown and they had to be removed from the gravestone in Stretton-on-Dunsmore, Warks.
Retired carer Tracy, 63, has written to King Charles twice asking for his permission.
Just two rows back from John’s grave is a headstone incorporating a Fleur de Lis, another heraldic symbol but one associated with the French royal family.
Another nearby grave featured a thistle emblem, symbolising Scotland.
She said: “It just seems wrong that you can have a symbol of France or any other country you like but not one of England in England.”
She added: “I feel bad for John. It feels like he’s been betrayed by the country he loved.
“When I was forced to have the Three Lions sanded off, I cried my eyes out.”
The judge told Tracy in his ruling that the lions are part of the Royal Arms of England.
He added: “Unfortunately, all uses must be duly authorised.”
Tracy has a year to appeal or get the King’s consent.
She added: “It’s so disappointing to hear nothing back from the King.”