Widow blocked from having Three Lions emblem on husband’s headstone as she needs King’s permission

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.

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.”