Princess Diana was known to wear several distinct fragrances throughout her life, most notably Quelques Fleurs by Houbigant Paris on her wedding day, and Penhaligon's Bluebell as a regular, everyday scent. Hermès 24 Faubourg was also reportedly one of her favorites later in life, according to her butler.
Princess Diana's Iconic Scents
Princess Diana, a beloved figure known for her grace and style, had a discerning taste in fragrances. While she often embraced British brands, her perfume choices showcased a blend of classic elegance and personal preference, evolving over time.
The Wedding Day Fragrance: Houbigant Quelques Fleurs
On her wedding day to Prince Charles in 1981, Princess Diana famously chose Houbigant Quelques Fleurs. This classic floral aldehyde perfume, originally launched in 1913, is celebrated for its rich and complex bouquet.
- Scent Profile: It features an opulent blend of white flowers, including tuberose, jasmine, lily of the valley, and rose, underpinned by a sophisticated base of sandalwood, amber, and musk.
- Historical Significance: As one of the earliest multi-floral compositions, Quelques Fleurs offered a timeless and grand choice for the historic royal wedding.
Her Everyday Signature: Penhaligon's Bluebell
For her daily wear, Princess Diana reportedly favored Penhaligon's Bluebell. This light and fresh fragrance perfectly captured a sense of natural elegance suitable for her active life.
- Scent Profile: Bluebell is a green floral scent, evoking the crisp, airy atmosphere of an English spring woodland. Key notes include bluebell, hyacinth, lily of the valley, and jasmine.
- British Heritage: Penhaligon's is a historic British perfumery, aligning with Diana's support for British designers and brands.
A Later Reported Favorite: Hermès 24 Faubourg
According to her butler, Paul Burrell, Princess Diana developed a fondness for Hermès 24 Faubourg later in her life. This warm and luminous oriental-floral scent suggests a shift towards more sophisticated and rich fragrances as her personal style evolved.
- Scent Profile: Launched in 1995, 24 Faubourg is characterized by notes of white flowers, particularly orange blossom and gardenia, alongside amber, patchouli, and vanilla, creating a radiant and elegant aroma.
- Brand Essence: Named after the address of Hermès' Parisian flagship store, the perfume is designed to evoke sunshine and a feeling of luxurious femininity.
Summary of Princess Diana's Preferred Perfumes
Below is a table summarizing the distinct fragrances associated with Princess Diana:
| Perfume Name | Brand | Occasion/Context | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quelques Fleurs | Houbigant | Wedding Day | Classic, opulent floral aldehyde; rich, multi-floral bouquet. |
| Bluebell | Penhaligon's | Everyday/Signature | Fresh, green floral; light and ethereal, reminiscent of a spring forest. |
| 24 Faubourg | Hermès | Later Favorite (Butler's Account) | Warm, luminous oriental-floral; sophisticated blend of white flowers and amber. |
These choices reflect Princess Diana's versatile taste, from traditional opulence for grand occasions to subtle, fresh scents for daily wear, and a move towards more luxurious fragrances later in her life.
