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There’s something ultra-exclusive and majestic about the British royal family and their chosen perfumes. For hundreds of years, reigning queens, kings, princes, and princesses have commissioned bespoke scents, which inevitably become popularized. And while favored scents vary from royal to royal, they all evoke feelings of luxury and beauty. To better understand what makes a scent befitting a royal, InStyle tapped two fragrance experts. Ahead, find out which perfumes and colognes get the royal stamp of approval.
Meet the expert
- Jaé Joseph is a scent designer. Amanda Meyer is a scent expert and the founder of Elia Parfum.
Jo Malone Wild Bluebell
“Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, always gravitates towards Jo Malone’s Wild Bluebell, which embodies a freshness and lightness,” says Joseph. With notes of bluebell and clove, the delicate scent evokes a youthful feeling while still embodying a sense of playfulness. Joseph adds that persimmon and lily of the valley are responsible for a soft, innocent charm that perfectly matches Meghan’s personality. “It’s almost like walking through a sun-drenched woodland in early spring, surrounded by new blooms and gentle breezes when wearing this scent.”
Oribe Côte d’Azur
Another favored fragrance of Meghan's is Oribe Côte d'Azur. According to Meyer, this light citrusy scent blends notes of lemon, black currant, bergamot, tuberose, Sicilian orange, and sandalwood, evoking the feeling of being on a Mediterranean beach getaway. “This perfume is bright, invigorating, and full of warmth, making it perfect to wear when you want something playful and uplifting but also luxurious and sophisticated.”
Illuminum White Gardenia Petals
The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, is said to have spritzed on the classic Illuminum White Gardenia Petals perfume for her wedding day. The ultimate bridal scent, this beautiful white floral, is brimming with lily, gardenia, and jasmine, which Joseph says creates a romantic and serene feeling of peace and grace. “Wearing this scent makes you feel as if you are in a garden full of blooming white flowers. It’s soft, understated, and ideal for someone who embraces understated elegance and grace.”
Jo Malone Orange Blossom Cologne
Another favorite of Kate's is Jo Malone's Orange Blossom Cologne. More of an everyday scent, this warm, sunny, uplifting perfume features top notes of orange blossom and tangerine and a warm, soft heart replete with water lily and lilac. "This scent is delicate and breezy with a refreshing, gentle sweetness. It captures the essence of blooming gardens on a warm spring day," Meyer shares. "It's the kind of fragrance choice you can wear daily or when you want to feel a little bit closer to nature."
Penhaligon Blenheim Bouquet
Although Prince William’s cologne choices aren’t nearly as widely known as his wife’s, he has been linked to wearing Penhaligon Blenheim Bouquet, created for the Duke of Marlborough. Deep-rooted in British tradition and heavy with lemon, lime, and pine, Joseph calls this sharp, fresh, and invigorating scent an ode to a rich sense of British history while retaining a refreshingly modern spin. “It’s crisp, clean, and masculine, perfect for someone with Prince William’s understated elegance and sense of duty.”
Houbigant Quelques Fleurs L’Original
Princess Diana was reportedly a fan of Houbigant Quelques Fleurs L’Original, a beautiful, soft white floral fragrance that Meyer describes as rich and romantic with a sense of timeless beauty, like Diana herself. Brimming with tuberose, jasmine, lily of the valley, and rose, she reportedly spritzed the scent before walking down the aisle to marry Prince Charles. “This fragrance has a storied past and feels vintage yet timeless, making it the perfect fragrance for special formal occasions.”
Van Cleef & Arpels First
Van Cleef & Arpels First also had a special place in Princess Diana’s perfume rotation, as reported in Price Harry’s memoir, Spare, going so far as to divulge how his memories of his mother wearing the elegant floral scent helped him process and grieve her death. Meyer explains that the aldehydes provide a sense of sparkling sophistication, while the floral heart and woody base add warmth and depth. Other notes in the scent include jasmine, amber, and sandalwood. “This scent is ideal for when exuding elegance and grace in a more traditional and refined manner.”
Dior Eau Sauvage
After years of speculating King Charles III’s preferred fragrance, his son, Harry, also revealed in Spare that it is Dior Eau Sauvage, which he slathered everywhere—his cheeks, neck, and even his clothing. “It’s a bold, confident fragrance with a fresh, slightly spicy aroma,” Meyer says. “The vetiver and myrrh give it a grounding earthiness, while the citrus notes keep it fresh.” Though originally marketed as a men’s fragrance, she adds that many women appreciate its balanced mix of strength and brightness and turn to it for a versatile scent.
Floris White Rose
The late Queen Elizabeth II's signature scent was believed to be Floris White Rose, but it was never officially confirmed. Still, the floral fragrance, which boasts rose, carnation, musk, and amber notes, comes across as soft and romantic. "It embodies traditional floral elements with a subtle, modern twist," Meyer says. "The rose is the heart of the fragrance, exuding classic femininity, while the musk and amber add warmth and depth, making this perfect for the woman who wants to feel timelessly elegant, refined, and gently sensual."