Last updated: May 2026 · Written by Katie Johnson, founder of The Fragrance World
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Queen Elizabeth II’s most-cited favourite perfume was Guerlain L’Heure Bleue, a powdery, slightly melancholy floral-oriental created by Jacques Guerlain in 1912. She also reportedly wore Floris White Rose (a London perfumery that holds a Royal Warrant), and during her younger years was associated with Caron Bellodgia (carnation) and Penhaligon’s Bluebell. The Royal Family does not publicly confirm specific fragrance preferences as a rule, so most “Queen Elizabeth wore X” claims come from staff interviews, biographies, and Royal Warrant holdings.
What is L’Heure Bleue?
Guerlain’s L’Heure Bleue (“the blue hour”) was created in 1912, inspired by the brief twilight when the sky turns deep blue before night falls. The composition is:
- – Top: Anise, bergamot, neroli
- – Heart: Carnation, ylang ylang, violet, iris
- – Base: Iris, vanilla, benzoin, tonka, sandalwood
It’s a powdery, slightly melancholy fragrance that reads as deeply sophisticated. The scent profile is the opposite of trend-chasing — it has barely changed in 110+ years.
The Queen reportedly wore L’Heure Bleue for state occasions and formal events. In her later years she was said to favour Floris White Rose for daily wear.
Other reported royal fragrances
Queen Elizabeth II:
- – Guerlain L’Heure Bleue (signature)
- – Floris White Rose
- – Caron Bellodgia (younger years)
- – Penhaligon’s Bluebell (occasional)
Princess Diana:
- – Penhaligon’s Bluebell (frequent)
- – Houbigant Quelques Fleurs
Princess Margaret:
- – Caron Bellodgia
- – Guerlain Mitsouko
Camilla, Queen Consort:
- – Bronnley English Fern (reportedly)
- – Floris Stephanotis
Catherine, Princess of Wales:
- – Jo Malone Orange Blossom (worn on her wedding day)
- – White Gardenia Petals (reported daily wear)
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex:
- – Jo Malone Wild Bluebell
- – Hermès Pamplemousse Rose
Floris White Rose — the British royal fragrance
Floris of London has held a Royal Warrant since 1820 (originally from George IV). White Rose was first created in 1800 as a soliflore — a single-note rose composition — and has been worn by multiple royal women over two centuries.
The composition:
- – Top: Bergamot, peach, geranium
- – Heart: Rose, jasmine, ylang ylang
- – Base: Sandalwood, musk, oakmoss
Available from Floris (89 Jermyn Street, London) at around £130 for 100ml EDT.
Why classic British perfumeries dominate
The Royal Warrant system (which Floris, Penhaligon’s, Bronnley, and Yardley all hold) means royal preferences shape the British luxury perfumery market. Once a brand has a warrant, it’s effectively endorsed by the monarch.
The Queen Mother’s love of Floris helped keep the brand alive through difficult financial periods in the 1980s. Princess Diana’s love of Penhaligon’s Bluebell turned that fragrance from a quiet classic into a global bestseller.
Inspired-by alternatives
The Fragrance World does not currently offer a direct dupe of Guerlain L’Heure Bleue (the powdery iris-violet-vanilla profile is rare). The closest profiles in the TFW range:
- – Vintage Floral notes: TFW Bombshell (powdery, floral, sweet base) — 50ml £29.95
- – Classic British rose: TFW Pomegranate (rose-led with depth) — 50ml £29.95
- – Powdery iris: No direct match — Guerlain L’Heure Bleue, Frédéric Malle Iris Poudre, and Chanel No. 19 are the recommended designer originals
For more on classic mature fragrance choices see Best Perfumes for Mature Women UK.
FAQ
What perfume did Queen Elizabeth II wear? Queen Elizabeth II’s most-cited signature perfume was Guerlain L’Heure Bleue, a powdery floral-oriental from 1912. She also reportedly wore Floris White Rose and Penhaligon’s Bluebell. The Royal Family does not publicly confirm fragrance preferences, so these come from staff interviews and Royal Warrant holdings.
What perfume did the Queen Mother wear? The Queen Mother (Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon) was a known Floris customer and favoured Floris White Rose. She helped sustain the brand through difficult periods in the 1980s.
What perfume does Kate Middleton wear? Catherine, Princess of Wales has been associated with Jo Malone Orange Blossom (worn on her wedding day in 2011) and reportedly wears White Gardenia Petals as daily fragrance.
What perfume did Princess Diana wear? Princess Diana was known for Penhaligon’s Bluebell, which she wore from her engagement onwards. Her preference is credited with turning Bluebell from a quiet British classic into a global best-seller.
What’s a royal-style perfume? Royal British perfumery preferences typically favour: classic florals (rose, bluebell, gardenia), powdery iris, soft chypre, or restrained sandalwood. Brands holding Royal Warrants include Floris, Penhaligon’s, Bronnley, and Yardley.
Where can I buy Guerlain L’Heure Bleue in the UK? Guerlain L’Heure Bleue is available from John Lewis, Harrods, Selfridges, and the Guerlain UK website. It’s still produced in EDT, EDP, and Parfum concentrations. Expect to pay £100-£200 depending on size and concentration.
What’s the most British fragrance? British perfumery is defined by Floris (rose-led, since 1730), Penhaligon’s (florals and chypres, since 1870), Bronnley (florals and English Fern, since 1884), and Yardley (lavender and English Lavender, since 1770). For a single fragrance that captures British perfumery: Floris White Rose, Penhaligon’s Bluebell, or Bronnley English Fern.
Sources & references
This article draws on industry standards (IFRA), perfumery reference works (Perfumes: The A-Z Guide by Turin & Sanchez), the Fragrantica community fragrance database, the Good Scents Company chemistry database, and The Fragrance World’s own product testing notes. Where specific named studies or proprietary data are cited inline, please verify against the original source before reuse.
