PRINCESS Diana's former butler has told The Chronicle that opening his own flower and gift shop will give him 'a focus' as he awaits trial accused of stealing £5m worth of Royal possessions.

In an exclusive interview, Paul Burrell, 43, of High Street, Farndon, said he needed something to keep his mind occupied over the coming months.

He explained the business venture drew on his experience arranging flowers for the late Princess at her home in Kensington Palace.

Mr Burrell, who will open the florists in his neighbouring village of Holt, referred to the fact he had suffered from psoriasis all over his body as a result of the stress relating to court proceedings.

He said: 'I have spent a spell in hospital and we are trying to get on with our lives. This is part of it. It will give me a focus.'

Mr Burrell was speaking as his case comes before the courts again today, although he is not required to attend. He is charged with stealing 342 items from the Prince and Princess of Wales and Prince William.

But this week it was 'business as usual' for the down-to-earth Farndon resident, who is married to Maria and has sons Alex, 16, who is going to study sports science at Yale College, Wrexham, and Nick, 13, a pupil at Bishop Heber High School in Malpas.

He has been handing out business cards promoting his shop, formerly occupied by Vernon's butchers in Cross Street, which will open on November 2.

Explaining why he had decided to set up a florist's, he said: 'Because it's part of my trade. I learned the trade when I had to arrange flowers at Kensington Palace for the Princess. I used to go to Covent Garden every Monday morning at 4 o'clock and pick up the plants and flowers for the coming week.

'I did the table arrangements and vases. I filled the Palace with the Princess's favourite blooms. There were fresh flowers in every room. Flowers bring a room to life.'

Mr Burrell said the Princess loved delicately perfumed flowers jasmine, hyacinth, lily of the valley.

The former butler, who will work alongside his wife as well as employing staff, will arrange flowers himself. 'It's not a come down,' he said, when asked about the contrast between working in a shop and living a celebrity lifestyle.

'I have always worked in the service industry. This is an extension of the service industry. It is important to give customers a one-to-one service.'

And he urged menfolk to treat the women in their lives by saying it with flowers.

'All ladies love flowers and I would encourage men to spoil their ladies.

Come and see me and I'll put something special your way!'

The fanatical Wrexham FC supporter, whose favourite flower is the English rose, just like the epithet for Diana, added: 'I can do red and white arrangements for Wrexham and blue and white for Chester!'