Our team of journalists at Daily Mail carefully selects and features products on our site. We may earn a commission if you purchase through links on this page—find out more.

When it comes to choosing a Valentine’s Day gift that impresses, a luxurious perfume often hits the mark.

Back in 2016, Prince Harry reportedly experienced a flood of emotions during his first date with Meghan Markle. Her choice of fragrance, Jo Malone’s Wild Bluebell, evoked cherished memories of his mother, Princess Diana.

This particular scent closely resembles Diana’s favorite, Penhaligon’s Bluebell, with its gentle notes of lily of the valley, rose, jasmine, and clove.

Fragrance is a powerful trigger for memories. For example, whenever I smell my wedding day perfume, Chanel No. 5, I’m transported back to that joyous occasion.

There is scientific backing for this connection. The olfactory system is directly linked to the brain’s limbic system, which governs emotion and memory, allowing certain scents to evoke vivid recollections and emotional reactions.

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.

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.

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.

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.