
Princess Diana's favourite perfume has been a topic of fascination for many, including her son Prince Harry, who has shared memories of his late mother's favourite scents. In his autobiography, Harry recalls how he took a bottle of First by Van Cleef & Arpels to a therapy session, as it held a special connection to his mother. Floral fragrances were reportedly a favourite of Princess Diana's, with Penhaligon's Bluebell, Quelques Fleurs by Houbigant, and 24 Faubourg by Hermès also rumoured to be among her preferred perfumes. The power of scent and its connection to memory have been highlighted through the story of Princess Diana's favourite perfume, with reports suggesting that Meghan Markle may have even worn one of these fragrances when she first met Harry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Favourite perfume | First by Van Cleef & Arpels, Penhaligon's Bluebell, Quelques Fleurs by Houbigant, 24 Faubourg by Hermès, Path of Light 24 |
| Top notes | Citrus, hyacinth, orchid, jasmine, orange blossom, ylang-ylang |
| Middle notes | Bluebell, gardenia, iris, lily of the valley, rose |
| Base notes | Amber, vanilla, sandalwood, clove, cinnamon |
| Price | £33 for First by Van Cleef & Arpels, £125 for Penhaligon's Bluebell |
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What You'll Learn

Princess Diana's favourite perfume, First by Van Cleef & Arpels
Princess Diana's favourite perfume was reportedly First by Van Cleef & Arpels, a floral fragrance with notes of hyacinth and orchid on an amber base. In his autobiography, Spare, her son Prince Harry recalls how he took a bottle of the perfume to a therapy session as it helped him process his grief. He wrote about how the scent transported him back to his childhood, with the therapist urging him to explore his emotions using the perfume as a trigger.
Harry's late mother was known to be a fan of fragrance, with her makeup artist, Mary Greenwell, saying that "she always, always, always wore fragrance". Princess Diana's taste in perfume tended towards luxurious, intricate floral scents. She was also a fan of 24 Faubourg by Hermès, a warm and sensual fragrance with notes of orange blossom, ylang-ylang, jasmine, gardenia, iris, vanilla, amber and sandalwood. This perfume was created in 1995 by master perfumer Maurice Roucel.
Other fragrances that have been linked to Princess Diana include Penhaligon's Bluebell, a fresh and fruity scent with citrus notes, hyacinth and bluebell, as well as a mix of lily of the valley, jasmine, rose, clove and cinnamon. Another source claims that Meghan Markle may have even worn this perfume when she first met Harry, as it was said to be one of her signature scents.
Quelques Fleurs by Houbigant, a delicate bouquet of florals with woody notes, has also been rumoured to be among Princess Diana's collection of fragrances.
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Penhaligon's Bluebell
Princess Diana's favourite perfume was reportedly First by Van Cleef & Arpels, a floral fragrance with notes of hyacinth and orchid on an amber base. In his autobiography, Prince Harry recalled how he took a bottle of the perfume to a therapy session as it helped him process his grief after his mother's tragic death.
Another fragrance that has been associated with Princess Diana is Penhaligon's Bluebell, a floral green scent created in 1978. With top notes of citrus and middle notes of hyacinth, lily-of-the-valley, rose, cyclamen, and jasmine, this perfume evokes the essence of British woodlands in spring. The perfume has a unique combination of earthy and fresh green notes with a floral heart, creating a bold yet soft and classic yet indefinable fragrance.
The power of scent is profound, and it is intriguing to explore the fragrances favoured by notable figures such as Princess Diana. While First by Van Cleef & Arpels held a special place in her heart, Penhaligon's Bluebell added a touch of springtime elegance to her collection, leaving a lasting impression on those who encountered her.
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24 Faubourg by Hermes
Princess Diana's favourite perfume was reportedly First by Van Cleef & Arpels, a floral fragrance that her son, Prince Harry, recalled in his autobiography, Spare. However, Princess Diana wore several other fragrances, including 24 Faubourg by Hermes, a floral perfume with top notes of hyacinth, orange, ylang-ylang, peach and bergamot. The middle notes of this elegant fragrance include orange blossom, gardenia, jasmine, black elder and iris, while the base notes are amber, sandalwood, patchouli and vanilla. The perfume, created by Maurice Roucel, is said to evoke the feeling of sunshine and was even worn by Princess Diana on her wedding day to King Charles III.
The scent of 24 Faubourg is reminiscent of pure royalty, with a soft yet bold smell. It is a timeless fragrance that is both elegant and sophisticated, perfect for formal events and special occasions. The perfume is housed in a distinctive bottle, with square glass gently curved to resemble a breeze blowing through silk. The delicate design captures the essence of the perfume, inviting you on a journey where the sun is the destination.
The top notes of 24 Faubourg, featuring brilliant white flowers, are complemented by a floral heart that envelops you in a warm embrace of iris and wood, with a hint of mystery. The perfume's earthy tones come from the iris and oakmoss, adding depth and complexity to the overall fragrance. The scent is known to evolve over time, vacillating between green floral and white floral notes, creating a dynamic and captivating olfactory experience.
Created in 1995, 24 Faubourg by Hermes has stood the test of time as a beloved fragrance. It is a testament to the house's aromatic legacy, offering a unique and memorable scent that has captivated royalty and fragrance enthusiasts alike. The combination of softness and attractiveness in a bottle has made it a favourite of many, including Princess Diana, who is known for her impeccable taste and elegance.
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Quelques Fleurs by Houbigant
Princess Diana's favourite perfume was reportedly First by Van Cleef & Arpels, a floral fragrance with notes of hyacinth and orchid and an amber base. In his autobiography, Spare, her son Prince Harry revealed how the scent helped him process his grief after his mother's death in 1997. He wrote:
> "At the start of our session, I lifted the lid, took a deep sniff. Like a tab of LSD. I read somewhere that smell is our oldest sense, and that fitted with what I experienced in that moment, images rising from what felt like the most primal part of my brain."
Another fragrance long associated with Princess Diana is Hermès 24 Faubourg, a perfume with notes of jasmine, orange blossom and vanilla. Her former butler, Paul Burrell, mentions it in his book, A Royal Duty. This was also the perfume that Princess Diana wore for her wedding to King Charles III.
Other rumoured favourite perfumes of Princess Diana include Penhaligon's Bluebell, a floral green scent that evokes British woodlands in spring, and Quelques Fleurs by Houbigant, a multi-floral blend with notes of lilac, jasmine, tuberose, honey and citrus. Quelques Fleurs was first launched in 1912-1913 and is described as fresh, clean, elegant, and unique. The scent has been likened to a flourishing garden in full bloom, with each blossom gracefully unfolding.
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Path of Light 24
Princess Diana's favourite perfume is said to be First by Van Cleef & Arpels, a floral fragrance featuring hyacinth and orchid on an amber base. In his autobiography, Spare, her son Prince Harry recalls how he took a bottle of the perfume to a therapy session as it helped him process his grief following his mother's death.
Another fragrance long associated with Princess Diana is 24 Faubourg by Hermès, a warm and sensual blend of florals and woody notes. Created in 1995 by master perfumer Maurice Roucel, it features fresh top notes of orange blossom and ylang-ylang, a heart of jasmine, gardenia, and iris, and a base of vanilla, amber, and sandalwood.
Other perfumes that Princess Diana reportedly loved include Penhaligon's Bluebell, a floral green scent with citrus notes, hyacinth, and bluebell, as well as Quelques Fleurs by Houbigant, a delicate French bouquet of florals with a woody dry down.
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Frequently asked questions
Princess Diana's favourite perfume was First by Van Cleef & Arpels.
First is a floral fragrance with hyacinth and orchid on an amber base.
Yes, Princess Diana also loved 24 Faubourg by Hermès, a warm and sensual fragrance with floral and woody notes. Another favourite was Penhaligon's Bluebell, a light, floral perfume.
Princess Diana's favourite perfume was revealed by her son, Prince Harry, in his autobiography, Spare.
Yes, reports suggest that Meghan Markle wore Princess Diana's favourite perfume when she first met Prince Harry.











































