Kings and Queens of Scent: The Royal Fragrances Worn by Monarchs

Apparently, the King really enjoys pruning. This is something I learned from the chief gardener. Highgrove Gardens I'm talking with Grainne Ring in the intensely fragrant (quite surprising for early March) gardens of the royal family's residence close to Tetbury in Gloucestershire.

I have received an invitation from Royal perfumer Penhaligon’s, since the King has consented to work together on a second fragrance inspired by his renowned gardens. This new scent is set to be released during the upcoming summer season.

“Scent is so important to these gardens,” explains Ring. “The King doesn’t use any fertilisers, so encouraging pollinating insects is key – which is why he chooses plants for their scent as well as looks.”

Just as expected, a plump bumblebee alights upon the fragrant pale pink Daphne 'Aureomarginata', which blooms during the wintertime and hails from the Himalayan region. The moment I step into the renowned 'stumpery' section of the garden—which gets its name due to being constructed around an assortment of upside-down tree trunks now blanketed with soft green moss, snowdrops, yellow celandines, and petite pink cyclamens—it greets me with a lily-of-the-valley-like aroma. A pioneering butterfly made its annual debut at the site just one day before my arrival.

We have high expectations for our plants nowadays," chuckles Grainne Ring with her gentle Irish accent, "we desire them to maintain their appeal throughout winter, provide an impressive display, and ultimately perish gracefully too.

The gardens at Highgrove are exceptionally lovely, a fact attested by those who have visited. On this pristine, clear-sky March afternoon, one can see vast patches of lavender crocuses, swaying gold-dusted daffodils, deep rose-colored hellebores, and remarkably large snowdrops I’ve ever seen.

I'm really not bothered about my Chanel ballet flats Choosing inappropriate footwear turned out to be a poor decision, and perhaps I ought to have accepted one of the numerous pairs of ankle Wellingtons available upon my arrival. The regal mud will surely be something I reminisce about once I'm back in London. Additionally, I've made a mental note to reserve spots for myself and several lady friends to visit again during summertime and explore the sprawling four-acre grounds. wildflower meadow , delphiniums and wisteria which flank the left side of the house.

Much like an impeccably prepared afternoon tea, this offers a wide array of options for a perfumer.

Of course, Penhaligon’s is an appropriate collaborator, given their longstanding royal warrant dating back to 1903 when they crafted the Blenheim Bouquet Eau de Parfum for the Duke of Marlborough (Winston Churchill and Trinny Woodall are also fans).

They're 'eau so British,' as the window displays along the King's Road humorously suggest. Both the Duke of Edinburgh and King Charles were said to have worn the zesty, refreshing Blenheim Bouquet fragrance for many years. During my visits to two different bathrooms, I noticed that Blenheim Bouquet soap and hand cream were positioned beside the sinks.

Significantly, Penhaligon’s aligns with the King’s commitment to sustainability and environmental friendliness, as all plastic parts of their perfume bottles and packaging are fully recyclable. Additionally, they use only organic ink for labeling these items, which does not contain mineral oil.

I’ve been informed that the concept behind Highgrove Bouquet—the King's initial fragrance crafted with Penhaligon’s two years back—was to replicate the aroma of his garden during summertime. Specifically, it aimed to encapsulate the experience of opening the windows at Highgrove and breathing in the floral essence emanating from the blossoms of the weeping silver lime trees bordering the pathway.

The author and 'aromacology' specialist Danièle Ryman, whose work delves into how scents can evoke emotional reactions—building upon the study of physical responses to smells known as aromatherapy—was asked by the King to attend the unveiling of his new book at Highgrove. Highgrove: A Garden Celebrated . She informs me that "lime tree blossoms, which are also known as linden flowers, make for a smart selection since they have both calming and uplifting qualities. In France, people consume them in the evenings as a soothing herbal infusion."

Highgrove Bouquet Eau de Parfum also has notes of mimosa and a mossy green, powdery base. It’s a subtle, softly spoken and elegant fragrance; you have to be close to the person wearing it to detect it.

Most fragrances worn by the Royal Family fit this brief. Jo Malone’s Orange Blossom Cologne which the Princess of Wales is said to use, (the matching candles were lit in Westminster Abbey during her wedding) is a light floral with subtle notes of vetiver and lily of the valley and would never be considered a brash room rocker.

Five hundred years ago, another royal Catherine wore a similar orange blossom and citrussy scent commissioned for her marriage to the King of France. Catherine de Medici’s Acqua della Regina from Santa Maria Novella is still available to buy today.

Penhaligon’s Bluebell, one of Princess Diana’s favourite perfumes is another light floral – an almost whimsical take on a bluebell wood using hyacinth and lily of the valley to replicate the smell of a woodland in full bloom of bluebells in early May.

It was rumored that the late Queen favored Guerlain’s L’Heure Bleue, a scent featuring notes of orange blossom alongside a more intricate composition ultimately giving way to the delicate powdery essence reminiscent of aged leather from a classic purse. According to fragrance connoisseur Alice du Parcq, "this choice harmonizes well for events where crowns or gowns are present yet maintains a modest presence."

Likewise subtle, Princess Anne reportedly opts for Hermès' iconic Caleche Eau de Parfum. As du Parcq notes, this perfume embodies "the quintessential 'never complain; never explain' essence." This classic and luxurious scent aligns perfectly with her association with horse riding. Its core features a powdery iris quality that stays on the skin throughout the day much like a silk scarf would. The fact that one application each morning can last without needing touch-ups could also be part of what makes it appealing.

Daniele Ryman states, "Fragrance serves as a form of communication," and adds that many perfumes share the quality of being courteous and subtle while also uplifting, much like encountering royalty in person.

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