If you’re searching for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, a deluxe perfume is always a winning choice.
Prince Harry was reportedly overcome with emotion during his first date with Meghan Markle in 2016, after her choice of fragrance – Jo Malone’s Wild Bluebell – stirred powerful memories of his mother, Princess Diana.
The scent closely mirrors Diana’s signature perfume, Penhaligon’s Bluebell, sharing delicate notes of lily of the valley, rose, jasmine and clove.
It’s a beautiful reminder of how deeply fragrance is tied to memory. Every time I catch a waft of my wedding perfume, Chanel No. 5, I’m instantly transported back to the big day and all the joy that came with it.
There’s science behind this phenomenon, too. The olfactory system is directly linked to the brain’s limbic system, which controls emotion and memory. This connection allows certain scents to trigger vivid recall and emotional responses.
Royal women, in particular, are known for their signature fragrances – from the Princess of Wales’ Jo Malone Orange Blossom Cologne to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who shared my love for Chanel No. 5.
Luckily for royal enthusiasts and beauty lovers, many of these iconic perfumes are still available to buy today.
Whether you’re choosing a scent for your other half or indulging yourself, read on to discover the fragrances fit for royalty.
Catherine, Princess of Wales
The Princess of Wales’ signature everyday scent is Jo Malone London Orange Blossom Cologne, a delicate floral fragrance lifted by fresh citrus notes.
Her connection to the brand dates back to her 2011 wedding to Prince William, when she requested Orange Blossom candles be lit throughout Westminster Abbey beneath the maple trees.
The fragrance helped create an intimate yet luxurious atmosphere for the historic occasion.
Jo Malone’s citrus-inspired scents were used throughout the venue, too, with Grapefruit and Lime, Basil & Mandarin chosen for the Abbey’s bathrooms.
Queen Elizabeth
The late Queen Elizabeth II was famously devoted to the powdery floral bouquet of Chanel No. 5.
In a 1955 letter to Prince Philip’s chief of staff, Frederick Arthur Montague Browning, she wrote: ‘As usual, you have discovered just the very thing I particularly wanted, and I want to thank you very much indeed for the birthday present of the Chanel scent. I am already using it and, I hope, smelling all the better for it!’
Another of the Queen’s signature fragrances was Guerlain’s L’Heure Bleue, a scent described as capturing the magic of ‘suspended time’, a moment when day meets night.
With spicy citrus top notes and a rich base of iris, gourmand vanilla, benzoin and tonka bean, the fragrance has remained timeless since its creation in 1912.
Chanel No. 5 Eau de Parfum, 35ml
£66Shop
Guerlain L’Heure Bleue Eau de Parfum, 75ml
Was £125
£106.25Shop
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
Meghan Markle has long drawn inspiration from Princess Diana, both in fashion and fragrance.
In her now-defunct blog The Tig, the former actress revealed that Wild Bluebell by Jo Malone London is one of her two signature scents. The fragrance shares similarities with Diana’s beloved Penhaligon’s Bluebell, blending floral and citrus notes.
Wild Bluebell is described as ‘the delicate sweetness of dewy bluebells, suffused with lily of the valley and eglantine, with a luscious twist of persimmon.’
Another of Meghan’s go-to perfumes is Wood Sage & Sea Salt by Jo Malone, inspired by the natural beauty of the British Isles.
Speaking to the Express, she once said: ‘Fragrance is my favourite thing -so much so that if I leave the house and don’t put any on, I’ll turn around and go back home. I alternate between a few scents.’
Meghan has also praised Dahlia Divin by Givenchy, a fruity-floral fragrance that complements her refined, modern style.
Jo Malone Wild Bluebell Cologne, 30ml
£56Shop
Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne, 30ml
£56Shop
Givenchy Dahlia Divin Eau de Parfum, 100ml
Was £131
£111.35Shop
Princess Diana
Princess Diana was known to have a particular fondness for Penhaligon’s Bluebell, a fragrance created in 1978 and said to evoke childhood adventures in fresh, dewy spring landscapes.
Penhaligon’s holds a Royal Warrant and, in 2022, released a fragrance created in collaboration with King Charles III, inspired by the gardens at Highgrove.
In his memoir Spare, Prince Harry revealed that he once brought a bottle of First by Van Cleef & Arpels to a therapy session, as it was his mother’s favourite scent. The perfume features notes of hyacinth and orchid resting on a warm amber base.
Another fragrance closely associated with Diana was the one she wore on her wedding day in 1981. The late princess chose Quelques Fleurs by Houbigant Paris, said to be the first true multi-floral bouquet ever created – a timeless scent that has since been reimagined for the modern woman.
Penhaligon’s Bluebell Eau de Toilette
£140Shop
Van Cleef & Arpels First Eau de Toilette, 100ml
£93.50Shop
Houbigant Quelques Fleurs L’Original Eau de Parfum, 50ml
£120Shop
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh
For her 1999 wedding to Prince Edward, Sophie chose Romance by Ralph Lauren, as documented by The People.
The publication noted: ‘No bride would be dressed without a light spray of perfume and Sophie chose the appropriately named Romance by Ralph Lauren, which is fruity and subtly sexy.’
The fragrance features notes of spicy pink pepper, rose and jasmine, layered over velvety soft woods, oak moss and musk, resulting in a feminine floral scent with a comforting finish.
Ralph Lauren Romance Eau de Parfum, 50ml
Was £102
