Roses star at the royal wedding

Staff at Albrighton-based David Austin Roses were delighted that flowers from their prestigious cut rose collection were chosen to be part of the wedding floral arrangements created by eminent British floral designers Simon Lycett and Paul Thomas.

More than 1,500 roses were used in the arrangements to decorate Windsor Castle, which was the location for the wedding reception held by The Queen following the ceremony.

The roses were chosen to reflect the colour scheme of the autumn season.

Mellow

There were the rich ruby reds of Tess, the golden and raspberry hues of Edith through to the mellow yellow tones of the rose Beatrice.

Also included were two of David Austin’s most recognisable wedding roses, Juliet and Patience.

Juliet is a deeply cupped bloom with distinctive shades of peach and apricot. It has become a David Austin signature rose.

Patience is creamy-white with frilled petals and a citrus fragrance.

Privilege

David Austin, managing director, said: “Huge congratulations to Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank on their marriage.

“For our roses to be part of any wedding or occasion is a huge privilege but to be used within a royal wedding is an incredible honour.

“It is a testament to my father’s lifetime work and the dedication of the nursery team and our incredible rose growers around the world who share our passion.”

David Austin has been breeding roses for more than 70 years.

It started with roses for the garden and then over 20 years ago a rose breeding programme was launched to create a new type of cut rose for the floristry industry.

A star-studded congregation of 800 people watched The Queen’s granddaughter wed Jack Brooksbank in Windsor Castle’s 15th century church last Friday.

Among those taking their VIP seats in the chapel were entertainer Robbie Williams, Hollywood actress Demi Moore and supermodel Naomi Campbell.