Fragrance preferences are extremely personal, but celebrity perfumes are a good starting point for finding a new signature or addition to your collection—and, according to an interview with Princess Diana’s make-up artist, Mary Greenwell, “she always, always, always wore fragrance”.
Over the years, there have been several reports on those scents that were rumoured to be Princess Diana’s favourites, some of which have been confirmed by those who knew her personally.
Below you’ll find details of those fragrances, which are still available to shop now.
A guide to Princess Diana's perfume collection, according to reports
1. Penhaligon's Bluebell
Penhaligon's Bluebell
This is a fragrance that has long been rumoured to have been one of Diana’s favourites (to the point where it’s difficult to find the original source), a mix of citrus notes, hyacinth and bluebell. It’s also worth noting that this royal perfume brand holds a Royal Warrant and, last year, released a scent in conjunction with HRH King Charles that is inspired by Highgrove Gardens. If ever the phrase “fit for royalty” were appropriate…
2. Van Cleef & Arpels First Eau de Parfum
Van Cleef & Arpels First Eau de Parfum
In his book Spare, Prince Harry shared that he took a bottle of First by Van Cleef & Arpels to a therapy session as it was his mother’s favourite scent. The floral perfume is comprised of hyacinth and orchid on an amber base—and though it seems to be a little trickier to get hold of than others, it is still available to shop from select retailers.
3. Hermès 24 Faubourg
Hermès 24 Faubourg
Inspired by sunshine, another fragrance that has long been associated with Princess Diana is Hermès 24 Faubourg, which is all jasmine, orange blossom and vanilla. Her former butler, Paul Burrell, name-checks it in his book about his time with the late Princess of Wales, A Royal Duty.
4. Houbigant Paris Quelques Fleurs l’Original
Houbigant Paris Quelques Fleurs l’Original
This was the perfume that Princess Diana wore for her wedding to now-King Charles III—and, as reported by Brides, according to her make-up artist for the day, Barbara Daly, Diana spilled some of it on her dress on the morning of the big day. As its name suggests, the scent is a concoction of many different floral notes—including jasmine, lily of the valley, carnation, violet and rose—on a woody base.
