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This Wednesday (July 1) marks what would have been Princess Diana’s 65th birthday. Nearly three decades after her death, the People’s Princess continues to leave a lasting legacy – from her groundbreaking charity work to her timeless fashion and beauty choices, which still inspire fans today.
Among the late royal’s enduring beauty favourites is a classic fragrance that has quietly stood the test of time. According to Prince Harry, Princess Diana wore First by Van Cleef & Arpels (£110, Amazon), a floral perfume launched in 1976.
The Duke of Sussex referenced the scent in his bestselling memoir Spare, revealing he brought a bottle of his mother’s perfume to a therapy session in the hope it would help unlock memories of her. He wrote: “At the start of our session, I lifted the lid, took a deep sniff.”
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“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.”
Opening with bright notes of blackcurrant, peach and bergamot, First 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.
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This floral perfume includes blackcurrant, jasmine, narcissus and sandalwood notes.
Diana wasn’t the only royal associated with an iconic fragrance. Queen Elizabeth II was famously said to favour White Rose by Floris (£110, Selfridges), a fresh floral fragrance created by the historic British perfumer.
Meanwhile, 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 previously named Wild Bluebell by Jo Malone London (from £56) among her favourite scents.
As well as Princess Diana, First by Van Cleef & Arpels has had some great reviews from fragrance fans. This person shared: “Absolutely love it, I’ve worn it for 40 years.” Meanwhile, someone else added: “My favorite scent for years.”
Meanwhile, a third customer added: “One of my favourites. Long lasting. Floral and powdery, but a winner.” And this reviewer exclaimed: “Everyone tells me that I smell good when I wear this perfume.”
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However, as with all perfumes, it isn’t for everyone. This disappointed reviewer said: “I’m sorry i wasted the money. Did not smell good at all.”
On a brighter note, this happy fan said: “Bought for my mothers 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.”