A loved-up squire proved romance is still thriving by proposing to his lady knight in full armour after 12 years of courtship.
Jouster Emma Pearn was left stunned when boyfriend Ciaran dropped to one knee at a British armoury museum – moments after a tournament.
Still on horseback and clad in armour, the 32-year-old burst into tears before nodding yes as the pair embraced in a fairytale finish.
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The couple first bonded over their shared love of medieval sport, meeting at a tournament years ago.
After more than a decade as best friends, their romance finally blossomed in the tiltyard, as reported by Whats The Jam.
Emma, from Gloucestershire, has become one of the world’s top jousters – and her dedication to the sport is nothing short of epic.
In 2024, she even scaled the 3,000ft peak of Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons wearing full 15th-century replica armour.
The gruelling climb saw her carry 32kg of kit – nearly two thirds of her bodyweight – in aid of The Royal Armouries in Leeds.
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Emma has been hooked on jousting since the age of seven, after seeing her first tournament.
But it wasn’t until 2021 that she stepped into the saddle herself, launching her career at The Royal Armouries tournament.
Ciaran, a fellow equestrian and historical fencer, is now learning to joust himself under Emma’s guidance – alongside their friend Mike Collin.
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As one of only a handful of female jousters worldwide, Emma has become a leading figure in the modern sport and continues to support The Royal Armouries as her reputation grows internationally.
She said the proposal, which happened after a tournament at the museum, came as a beautiful surprise – adding Ciaran was “the best thing that ever happened to me”.
She said: “I wouldn’t be the jouster I am today without the support and belief of the Royal Armouries.
“The museum has worked tirelessly to ensure that jousting is here to stay and has a future.
“I want to get more people talking about jousting – not just in a re-enactment or historical sense, but in a sense that this is a modern and evolving sport.”
A Royal Armouries spokesperson said: “What a way to end a joust.
“Congratulations to the happy couple.
“Wishing you many years of happiness together.”
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