Princess Diana’s favourite perfume remembered as world marks her 65th birthday

This Wednesday (July 1) marks what would have been Princess Diana’s 65th birthday. Nearly three decades following her death, the People’s Princess continues to leave an enduring legacy – from her pioneering charity endeavours to her iconic fashion and beauty selections, which still captivate admirers today.

Amongst the late royal’s treasured beauty staples is a timeless fragrance that has discreetly endured through the years. According to Prince Harry, Princess Diana wore First by Van Cleef and Arpels (£110, Amazon), a floral scent introduced in 1976.

The Duke of Sussex mentioned the perfume in his bestselling memoir Spare, disclosing 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.”

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, reports the Mirror.

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.

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.”

Meanwhile, someone else added: “My favourite scent for years.”

A third customer further commented: “One of my favourites. Long-lasting. Floral and powdery, but a winner.”

And one particularly 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 more positive note, one 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.”