Kevin proposes ‘joust’ at the right moment

England winners, Stacy Van Dolah and Darth Rimmer SUS-150728-120745001

As the week-long event came to an end on Sunday (July 26), Rustington falconer Kevin Lochner was steeling himself to ask the ultimate question to his girlfriend Emma Cosspick – would she marry him.

Kevin, of Shopfield Close, got down on one knee to ask the question while inside the castle’s chapel.

The 38-year-old, who has been part of the head falconer for the international jousting competition for several years, said: “I’d always wanted to propose during the jousting week. But I was quite nervous.

“Arundel is a special place for us. We used to go on dates in the town.

“I had a big adrenaline rush just before asking her but I was so relived she said ‘yes’. I know she is the person I want to spend the rest of my life with.”

Kevin is not the only one to have popped the question during the competition.

He followed in the footsteps of Stacy Evans who proposed to Lady Kyle Van Dolah during 2013’s spectacle.

Kevin Lochner, head falconer, took the chance to propose to his girlfriend Emma Cosspick on the last day of the jousting competition PHOTOS: Victoria Dawe SUS-150728-120614001

This week’s tournament, now in its seventh year, is the longest of its kind in the world.

Rivalries between teams and nations were fiercer than ever with the Kingdom of England riding to victory.

Team England were delighted to regain the title, having lost out to the Burgundian Alliance in 2014.

Taking the individual jousting title this year was Jarek Struczynski, knight of the Kingdom of Poland.

The award for the Most Chivalrous Knight of the competition was given to Darth Rimmer, knight of the Kingdom of England, while Luc Petillot, knight of the Kingdom of France, took the Skill At Arms title.

The next event at the castle will be the living history day, which kicks-off on Thursday (July 30).