From the late Queen Elizabeth II's exclusive use of Essie's Nail Lacqure in Ballerina Slippers, £7.19, since 1989, to the Princess of Wales' love of Trilogy's Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, £34.50, one thing is certain: the Royals are just as obsessed with beauty as the rest of us. Need more proof? Check out the roster of brands that have been granted a 'Royal Warrant of Appointment' over the years, that being, the official seal of approval previously awarded by the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, and King Charles III, which sees individuals or companies supply goods or services to the Royal Household, and products bearing the Royal coat of arms.
During his time as the Prince of Wales, King Charles granted around 180 Royal Warrants, including one to British perfume house Penhaligon's (more on this later). Given his track record, we know HRH is a man inclined to good smells and if you've ever wondered what scent he douses himself in, we may have found the answer thanks to Prince Harry's memoir Spare.
In his book, Harry writes that this father would 'slather the stuff on his cheeks, his neck, his shirt. Flowery with a hit of something harsh, like pepper or gunpowder, it was made in Paris'. The particulars of the fragrance described in Harry's words have led Hello! to suspect the cologne in question is in fact Dior's Eau Sauvage Cologne Spray, £97.
Launched in 1966, the cologne is timeless and well-loved for its fresh, woody and spicy nature. It features notes of citrusy Calabrian bergamot, warm and woody vetiver, and bright pink pepper, for a instantly gripping, charming and full-bodied olfactive offering.
The same can be said for Penhaligon's latest launch which serves up a wholly different but equally delightful scenting experience. Highgrove Bouquet, £160, is inspired by and created with HRH King Charles in part, and is a tribute to the fragrant summers at Highgrove Gardens, where he and Queen Camilla reside. Based on Tilla Petiolaris, also known as the weeping silver lime trees, which are peppered all around Highgrove Gardens, the perfume is also loaded with notes of lavender, geranium, mimosa, tuberose, cedar woods and orris. It makes for an uplifting, crisp and soothing spritz which will quickly whisk you away to the sunny outdoors.
But the best part? Ten percent of the proceeds from this perfume will help to fund The Prince’s Foundation's training and education programmes including those in heritage crafts, traditional arts, horticulture, fashion and textiles, and sustainable food and farming for thousand of students each year.
Shop: King Charle's Favourite Perfume
Thanks to Prince Harry's description of his father's favourite scent in his memoire Spare, some have speculated that this classic, timeless Dior cologne is King Charles' go-to.