Focus DIY introduces blooming lovely royal wedding memento

To celebrate the Royal Wedding, Focus DIY has introduced the ‘Catherine’ Rose - a stunning, pale pink rose - in honour of the royal bride-to-be, Kate Middleton.

With an average life span of 35 years, although they can last for far longer, the Catherine Rose is a fitting tribute to Kate that will continue to bloom year after year.

The Catherine Rose, which will go on sale in April, will retail at £9.99 and will be exclusive to Focus DIY stores nationwide. A percentage of the sales from this limited edition floribunda species rose will be donated to the Princess Diana Foundation Trust.

Gerrard Smith, Horticulture Controller from Focus DIY, commented: “The rose is such a classic British flower that we couldn’t think of a better way to mark this momentous occasion. The Royal Wedding promises to be the biggest of the past two decades so we wanted to offer a fitting tribute to the royal bride and groom that will continue to flourish for years to come. We expect the limited edition rose to be a big hit with celebrating Brits and hope customers will join us in marking this very special national day of celebration.”

The Catherine Rose name not only honours Miss Catherine Middleton but also marks St Catherine’s Day, which falls on 29th April, the date of the Royal Wedding.

St Catherine of Siena, a patron saint of Italy, is often depicted holding a rose in relation to a story of a miracle in which was involved. St Catherine spent a number of years tending to the sick, helping the poor and giving advice and support to people in prison. It was only on 5 May 1940 that Pope Pius XII named her a joint Patron Saint of Italy along with Saint Francis of Assisi.

For more details on Focus DIY's products, log on to the website: focusdiy.co.uk