When an important noble rides in to battle (Like COunt Roderick, for example), would he have a standard bearer?
If so, would it be a knight?
If so, could that knight also fight, or would he be unable to?

Opinions welcome

Yes.
Yes.
Yes. I'd rule that he doesn't have a shield, since he has to hold onto the standard, but that is up to you. If you want to be lenient, you can let him have a guige and be able to get the shield bonus even though he is not actively using the shield.

Yes.
Yes.
Yes. I'd rule that he doesn't have a shield, since he has to hold onto the standard, but that is up to you. If you want to be lenient, you can let him have a guige and be able to get the shield bonus even though he is not actively using the shield.

Could give him a partial shield bonus. Maybe 3 points, to represent holding the shield and/or standard and using it defensively.

One of the important things the standard bearer could do for his lord is to ride closely with him and fight defensively. That effectively reduces the number of attackers who could get to his lord by 1 (out of 2, mounted), while ensuring he stays rather safe.

--Khanwulf

Could give him a partial shield bonus. Maybe 3 points, to represent holding the shield and/or standard and using it defensively.

One of the important things the standard bearer could do for his lord is to ride closely with him and fight defensively. That effectively reduces the number of attackers who could get to his lord by 1 (out of 2, mounted), while ensuring he stays rather safe.

--Khanwulf

I like both answers!

Book of the Battle gives an overview of the battle organization including the use of the banners.

Also remember that being the standardbearer is an honor. It is a rallying point for the men and as long as the banner is aloft the lord is alive and kicking. The bodyguard of the lord is also nearby as you will ride as close to the lord as possible. This will also protect the bearer from attack.
So a partial shield bonus could also be because other knights jump in to protect.