Princess Diana's favourite perfume has been revealed as First by Van Cleef & Arpels, a classic floral fragrance launched in 1976. The revelation comes as the world celebrates what would have been her 65th birthday on July 1.
Prince Harry's Memoir Reveals the Scent
Prince Harry mentioned his late mother's favourite scent in his bestselling memoir Spare. He wrote that he brought a bottle of the perfume to a therapy session, hoping it would unlock memories of her. "At the start of our session, I lifted the lid, took a deep sniff," he recounted. "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 Notes and Cost
First by Van Cleef & Arpels opens with bright notes of blackcurrant, peach and bergamot. It develops into a rich floral heart of jasmine, narcissus, rose and orchid, before settling into a warm base of sandalwood, vanilla, amber and vetiver. The result is a sophisticated, powdery floral scent that remains a favourite among perfume lovers almost 50 years after its launch. A 60ml bottle typically costs £110, but shoppers can pick it up with a 10% saving at Liberty, bringing the price down to £99.
Other Royal Fragrances
Diana was not the only royal associated with an iconic fragrance. Queen Elizabeth II was famously said to favour White Rose by Floris (£110 at Selfridges), a fresh floral fragrance created by the historic British perfumer. Catherine, Princess of Wales, reportedly wore Illuminum's White Gardenia Petals (£150) on her wedding day to Prince William in 2011. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has also named Wild Bluebell by Jo Malone London (from £56) among her favourite scents.
Customer Reviews
First by Van Cleef & Arpels has received many positive reviews from fragrance fans. One person shared: "Absolutely love it, I've worn it for 40 years." Another added: "My favorite scent for years." A third customer said: "One of my favourites. Long lasting. Floral and powdery, but a winner." Another reviewer exclaimed: "Everyone tells me that I smell good when I wear this perfume." However, not everyone was impressed: one disappointed reviewer said: "I'm sorry I wasted the money. Did not smell good at all." On a brighter note, a happy fan said: "Bought for my mother's 102 birthday, her favourite perfume that she couldn't find... not only did they have it but was delivered in 24 hours. Very impressed and mum is thrilled."
