Princess Diana would have celebrated her 65th birthday this Wednesday, July 1. Nearly three decades after her death, the People's Princess continues to leave an enduring legacy through her pioneering charity work and iconic fashion and beauty choices. Among her treasured beauty staples is a timeless fragrance that has discreetly endured through the years.
Prince Harry Reveals Diana's Signature Scent
According to Prince Harry, Princess Diana wore First by Van Cleef and Arpels, a floral scent introduced in 1976. The Duke of Sussex mentioned the perfume in his bestselling memoir Spare, disclosing that he took a bottle of his mother's fragrance to a therapy appointment in the hope it would help revive recollections of her. He wrote: "At the start of our session, I lifted the lid, took a deep sniff. 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."
The Fragrance Profile of First by Van Cleef and Arpels
Beginning with vibrant notes of blackcurrant, peach and bergamot, First evolves into an opulent floral heart of jasmine, narcissus, rose and orchid before mellowing into a comforting base of sandalwood, vanilla, amber and vetiver. The outcome is an elegant, powdery floral fragrance that remains beloved amongst scent enthusiasts nearly 50 years after its debut.
Other Royal Fragrance Favourites
Princess Diana was not the only royal associated with an iconic fragrance. Queen Elizabeth II was famously said to favour White Rose by Floris, a fresh floral fragrance created by the historic British perfumer. Catherine, Princess of Wales, reportedly wore Illuminum's White Gardenia Petals on her wedding day to Prince William in 2011. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has also previously named Wild Bluebell by Jo Malone London among her favourite scents.
Customer Reviews of First by Van Cleef and Arpels
Alongside Princess Diana, First by Van Cleef and Arpels has earned glowing reviews from perfume enthusiasts. One customer shared: "Absolutely love it, I've worn it for 40 years." Another added: "My favourite scent for years." A third commented: "One of my favourites. Long-lasting. Floral and powdery, but a winner." One delighted reviewer exclaimed: "Everyone tells me that I smell good when I wear this perfume." However, as with all fragrances, it won't suit every nose. One underwhelmed reviewer noted: "I'm sorry I wasted the money. Did not smell good at all." On a positive note, a contented customer wrote: "Bought for my mother's 102 birthday, her favourite perfume that she couldn't find.. Not only did they have it, but it was delivered in 24 hours. Very impressed and mum is thrilled."
