Fragrance continues to be used in various ways by members of the British royal family. Among modern and historical figures, perfumes and colognes remain powerful ways to leave a lasting impression and tie elaborate outfits together, exuding confidence and conveying a sense of elegance.
Let’s explore some well-known figures in British royalty who continue to see the power of exceptional fragrance.
The Fragrances of Elegance Used by Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II maintained a strong reputation for using fragrances suited to different occasions, adjusting her choices based on the social context. One of her best-known perfume choices was a floral blend, creating a signature scent featuring carnation, violet, iris, and jasmine.
She continued to make this choice for many years, becoming well known among political figures and leaving a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. For her wedding day, she explored a classic spicy citrus scent paired with neroli and other powdery notes. Not only was she a well-known enthusiast for exceptional fragrances, but she also used unique bath products for smooth skin and scents such as orange and bergamot.
The Scents Used by King Charles III
King Charles III regularly used fragrance as part of his own individual styling, often choosing classic wood and citrus-focused scents for a multitude of different occasions. In fact, historical documents reveal that the King was a heavy user of classic colognes, exploring options that include violet, peppermint, and sandalwood. Late in his life, he even worked to create a unique fragrance that was entirely exclusive to him, opting for a fragrance that reflected his Highgrove estate. It was noted to include aromas of lavender and geranium.
For his formal coronation, he was anointed with what is known as “coronation oil” in 2023, known to be a historical tradition as part of the ceremony that includes scents of rose, jasmine, cinnamon, and musk. A long-time appreciator of a great fragrance, he maintained a deep collection of scents from famous brands, with several scents crafted exclusively for his own personal use.
A Touch of Beauty From Princess Diana
Princess Diana was well-known for her use of perfume to tie together outfits and showcase her individuality. Her reputation for elegance was complemented by aromatic scents that she reportedly used daily, including during her public appearances. Interviews conducted after her passing noted that she felt it was an essential element to her beauty, making her feel confident and beautiful at all times. She often utilized different scents throughout the day, including citrus and rose scents in the morning, and then switching over to something more romantic and floral for her evening appearances.
She actually had a very famous and well-documented fragrance mishap during her wedding day, spilling an entire bottle of perfume directly on her wedding dress, covering the stain up by holding her dress in a specific way while she walked down the aisle. Whatever choice she made for fragrance, she believed it was an essential part of her beauty and presence as a royal.
Essential Fragrances from Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has been a well-known lover of great fragrances, making a point of applying them gently on her “pulse points” rather than directly on her clothing. She maintains several custom scents, but notably used an exclusive scent that was reportedly inspired by sunshine and sea breezes for her wedding day. Not only is she a lover of great perfumes, but she also continues to integrate lavender washes as part of her daily skin routine. She also claims that she never leaves the home without perfume.
The Elegant Fragrances of Queen Victoria
The well-known historical figure of Queen Victoria followed incredibly strict Victorian etiquette for the scents she chose to use on a daily basis, focusing on natural scents including orange blossom, violets, and roses. She mainly chose to wear fragrances on her clothing rather than her skin, with a floral orange blossom scent as her main signature scent. Some other selections she used included deep musks, ambergis, and bergamot during public appearances.
Her handkerchiefs also included fragrances, often intended to communicate luxury and class that complemented her overall outfit. She was often given exclusive scents from well-known perfume houses that often competed for her attention.
Fragrance, Power, and Royalty
Articulate and planned out use of perfume and cologne continues to be a signature of British royalty, adding a final touch of class and beauty that can make anyone feel more confident and beautiful. Today, fragrance remains an essential part of a well-put-together outfit, helping royalty leave memorable and long-lasting impressions on political figures throughout Great Britain.
Communicate style, class, and elegance with the perfect scent that reflects the mood of a social event or the feeling of each season. Royalty continues to use scent creatively for a variety of occasions, standing as an essential element to promote high-level beauty and confidence.
Today, perfumes have grown to become increasingly modern and exciting offerings for a new world of self-care and elegance. Learn how modern purfermeries are taking things to the next level!

Just as a minor point- it is generally not thought to be a good idea to apply perfume onto one’s clothes. That’s hardly an idea unique to Ms Markle. Perfume can permanently stain or discolor fabric. I know a lady who loves perfume but has a skin condition that keeps her from applying it to her “pulse points”, so she sprays a little on her hair. Other options would be scent lockets or bracelets.