A Bradford student who went on to become a British Armed Forces chief will play a key role in the King’s Coronation Ceremony. 

General the Lord Nicholas Houghton of Richmond, who attended Woodhouse Grove School, Apperley Bridge, will bear the Sword of Temporal Justice.

The Old Grovian will carry part of His Majesty’s Regalia to the altar before a Greek psalm will be heard - an ode to the Duke of Edinburgh, who was born a Prince of Greece.

The Sword of Temporal Justice is one of three swords which are carried unsheathed, pointing upwards, in coronations. 

Lord Houghton’s sword is accompanied by the Sword of Spiritual Justice and the Sword of Mercy.

Lord Houghton was Chief of the Defence Staff from 2013 to 2016.

He followed in the footsteps of another Old Grovian, Lord Michael Walker, who was Chief of Defence Staff from 2003 to 2006.