Royalty-Approved Colognes: Scents Fit For A King

The cologne a man wears is an intimate detail that can reveal a lot about his personality. From Winston Churchill's Creed Tabarome to King Charles III's Eau Sauvage, here is a list of fragrances worn by royalty and other iconic men throughout history.

King Charles III – Dior Eau Sauvage

With notes of lemon, rosemary, petit grain, basil, jasmine and vetiver, this elegant, fresh and herbaceous cologne is fit for a king.

Prince Rainier of Monaco – Creed Fleurissimo

Creed Fleurissimo, with its elegant floral notes of bergamot, ylang-ylang and iris, was commissioned by Prince Rainier of Monaco as a wedding gift for his bride, Grace Kelly.

King George III – Creed Royal English Leather

According to the perfumer, this cologne, with its base note of leather and top notes of orange and lime, was created for King George III to be applied to his gloves, so that whenever he rested his chin in his hand, a rich scent would waft into his nostrils.

Napoleon Bonaparte – Jean Marie Farina Eau de Cologne

Napoleon Bonaparte wore this cologne, with its top notes of citrus and rosemary and base notes of cedar, vetiver and musk, during his campaigns and political manoeuvres.

Other notable men and their signature scents include:

- John F. Kennedy – Jockey Club by Caswell-Massey

- Leonardo DiCaprio – Eau D'Hadrien by Annick Goutal

- Ian Fleming – Floris No.89

- Gianni Agnelli – Penhaligon's Blenheim Bouquet

King Charles III wears Dior Eau Sauvage

King Charles III's fragrance of choice is Dior Eau Sauvage, as revealed by his son, Prince Harry, in his 2023 memoir, Spare. According to Harry, his father takes his scent very seriously, often sniffing various things, from food to flowers.

> Maybe he took all those long sniffs because it was hard to smell anything over his personal scent. Eau Sauvage. He’d slather the stuff on his cheeks, his neck, his shirt. Flowery, with a hint of something harsh, like pepper or gunpowder, it was made in Paris.

Dior Eau Sauvage is an elegant, fresh, and herbaceous cologne, featuring notes of lemon, rosemary, petit grain, basil, jasmine, and vetiver. It is a fitting scent for a king, and with its combination of citrus and herbs, along with Hedione, oak moss, and vetiver, it evokes the clean scent of a man while also revealing the skin underneath.

King Charles III is known to have a refined taste in niche fragrances and couture perfumes. Apart from Dior Eau Sauvage, some of his other favourite fragrances include Guerlain Vetiver, Floris No. 89, Creed Green Irish Tweed, Dunhill Icon, and Penhaligon's Blenheim Bouquet. These fragrances showcase a preference for classically masculine accords, with citrus, fresh spicy, aromatic, and woody notes.

With Charles III's interest in sustainability and balancing progress with the preservation of traditional values, it will be interesting to see if he introduces a new royal signature scent that reflects these values during his reign.

Prince Harry's mother, Princess Diana, wore First by Van Cleef and Arpels

In his memoir, "Spare", Prince Harry revealed that his mother, Princess Diana, wore "First" by Van Cleef and Arpels. He describes the scent as "like a tab of LSD", and explains that the experience of smelling it brought up "images rising from what felt like the most primal part of my brain".

Harry goes on to say that the perfume helped him to process his grief in a therapy session following his mother's death in 1997, when he was just 12 years old. He recalls how the therapist urged him to explore his emotions using a bottle of the perfume, saying, "'We're breaking through,' she said. 'Let's not stop.'".

"First" by Van Cleef and Arpels is a floral fragrance with notes of hyacinth, orchid, amber, pink jasmine, aldehydic notes, vanilla, rose, and jasmine. It was first launched in 1976 and is still available today, testament to its timeless appeal.

Princess Diana was known for her love of fragrances and, in addition to "First", she also counted Penhaligon's "Bluebell", Hermès "24 Faubourg", and Houbigant Paris "Quelques Fleurs" among her favourites. "Quelques Fleurs" was the fragrance she wore for her wedding to Prince Charles in 1981.

Kate Middleton wears White Gardenia Petals by Illuminum

Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, wore Illuminum's White Gardenia Petals on her wedding day. The fragrance is from a relatively new brand launched in 2010 by British celebrity hairstylist Michael Boadi. White Gardenia Petals is a delicate, refined scent with top notes of lily, heart notes of gardenia, ylang-ylang, and jasmine, and base notes of amber wood. It is said to be a breezy, floral perfume, evoking a summery ambiance.

White Gardenia Petals is an excellent choice for a wedding fragrance as it is not too heady or cloying. It is a subtle, understated fragrance, much like Middleton herself, who is known for her relaxed and natural attitude. The perfume is long-lasting, yet wears close to the skin, creating an elegant and refined aura.

Michael Boadi expressed his thrill and honour at Middleton's choice, and the fragrance gained much attention and popularity after the royal wedding. It is a testament to its appeal that it was chosen for such a momentous occasion, and it continues to be a sought-after scent, with people wanting to emulate Middleton's timeless style and grace.

White Gardenia Petals is an excellent option for those who want an easy, simple, yet captivating fragrance. It is perfect for those who want to feel elegant and feminine without being too overpowering, making it a versatile scent for various occasions. This perfume is a true classic that has stood the test of time and will forever be associated with Middleton's iconic wedding look.

Prince William wears Creed Aventus

Creed Aventus is an iconic, versatile, and well-loved fragrance. It is often described as a "safe dumb reach," perfect for any occasion, and a great office scent. The scent is bright, crisp, and energetic, with a confident and sophisticated presence. It is a well-balanced blend of fruity, smoky, and woody notes, making it an excellent choice for those who want to feel rich and powerful.

The performance of Creed Aventus has been a topic of debate, with some users complaining about its longevity and sillage. However, others have reported good projection and longevity, with the scent lasting for several hours. It is recommended to do multiple sprays for better performance.

The price of Creed Aventus is often criticized as being too high, with some people calling it "absurd" and "robbery." However, others argue that the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost. It is possible to find Creed Aventus at a discount at certain retailers.

Overall, Creed Aventus is a popular and well-regarded fragrance with a mass-appealing scent. It has earned its place as a contemporary classic and is frequently lauded for its enduring appeal and remarkable versatility.

King George III wore Creed Royal English Leather

The cologne has an interesting composition. With top notes of mandarin orange and bergamot, a core of ambergris, and base notes of leather and sandalwood, it is a dense and rich fragrance. The perfume is long-lasting and has great projection, making it a good choice for older men. It is a true classic, suitable for both men and women who appreciate its historical significance.

King George III was a fascinating character. He wore elaborate silk suits at court events and celebrations but craved a simpler life, earning him the nickname 'Farmer George'. He was particularly interested in botany and agriculture and often dressed down, mingling with his subjects, who often did not recognise him as he was not dressed as they expected. This frugal nature was also reflected in his clothing choices, such as the 'Windsor uniform', a dark blue suit he introduced in 1777, which was soon adopted by his family and close members of the court.

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