The Scent of the Royal Court: The History of Perfume and European Royalty

The relationship between European royalty and perfume went beyond the use of luxury goods, having political and cultural significance. The royal and aristocratic passion for scents laid the foundation for modern perfume culture.

In this article, we take a closer look at the influence of royal families around the world on perfume culture and the legendary scents they used. Let's explore the deep connection between the glamorous world of court and fragrance.

table of contents

• The Royal Family's Special Relationship with Perfume
• French Royal Perfume Culture
• The fragrance traditions of British royalty
• Other European Royal Families
• The World of Royal Perfumers
• Modern royalty and perfume
• Summary: The legacy of perfume culture built by the royal family

The Royal Family's Special Relationship with Perfume

The Royal Significance of Perfume

Perfume in the royal household played a key role beyond mere grooming:

1. Symbol of authority

   • Use of expensive and rare fragrances
   • Discrimination from the general public
   • A display of power and wealth

2. Political tools

   • Impression management in diplomacy
   • Gifts for Allies
   • Claims of cultural superiority

3. A social necessity

   • Appearance at court
   • An expression of individuality and sophistication
   • Confirmation of social status

The role of fragrance in court culture

Use in everyday life

• Morning preparation : Using perfume when waking up
• Preparing for a meal : Purifying the space with scented sachets
• Bedtime ritual : Scenting the bedroom

Use for special occasions

• Coronations and weddings : ceremonial use of fragrance
• Receiving Foreign Envoys : Fragrances for Prestige
• Royal Ball : A glamorous social event

French Royal Perfume Culture

Louis XIV (The Sun King, 1638-1715)

A monarch known as the "King of Fragrances"

Louis XIV is known as the king who loved perfume the most in history, and his passion for scent led France to become a perfume powerhouse.

A passion for perfume

1. A different scent every day

   • The thoroughness of never using the same scent throughout the day
   • Choose a scent that suits your season and mood
   • Detailed instructions and requests to the perfumer

2. The scent culture of the Palace of Versailles

   • The way the scent spreads throughout the palace
   • Fragrance bags placed in various locations
   • Treat your guests to perfume

3. Using political scents

   • Perfume gift for diplomatic envoys
   • Emphasizing the superiority of French culture
   • Importance of spices in trade

Favorite scent

• Orange Blossom : The King's Favourite Scent
• Jasmine : For evening use
• Rose : A favorite everyday fragrance

Marie Antoinette (1755-1793)

The deep connection between the tragic queen and perfume

Marie Antoinette, the Austrian queen, brought a new sensibility to the French court.

A love of perfume

1. Relationship with Jean-Louis Fargeon

   • A trusting relationship with an exclusive perfumer
   • Personal fragrance order
   • A special fragrance tailored to the Queen's tastes

2. Favorite scent

   • Rose scent : my favorite scent
   • Violet : Elegance
   • Jasmine : Used in high society at night

3. The fragrance culture of Versailles

   • Fragrant Garden at the Petit Trianon
   • Expanding your perfume collection
   • Self-expression through scent

Relationship with the revolution

• Criticized as a luxury item
• A symbol of the gap between the people
• Condemnation of the use of perfume during the Revolution

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)

The Emperor's Dedication to Fragrance

Although Napoleon was a man, he had a strong preference for perfume.

Characteristics of perfume use

1. A penchant for cologne

   • I love Farina cologne
   • Carrying perfume on the battlefield
   • Habit of using multiple times a day

2. Using political scents

   • Making an impression in diplomacy
   • The staging of a military victory
   • A tool for imperial grandeur

3. Relationship with Empress Josephine

   • The couple's scent preferences
   • Communication through perfume
   • The bond between scents continued even after the divorce

The fragrance traditions of British royalty

Queen Victoria (1819-1901)

Victorian perfume culture

The reign of Queen Victoria was a time when Britain's unique perfume culture flourished.

The Queen's Fragrance Preferences

1. A love of lavender

   • The Popularization of English Lavender
   • Lavender cultivation at the palace
   • A calm and elegant fragrance

2. Uses of Rose Water

   • Daily skin care
   • Standard fragrance for the royal court
   • Promoting the breeding of British roses

Influence on the British perfume industry

• The formation of London's perfume district
• Supporting the development of British brands
• Promoting imports of spices from colonies

Elizabeth II (1926-2022)

Modern Royal Fragrance Choices

Queen Elizabeth II was known for her traditional, yet contemporary, scent choices.

Favourite perfume

1. Guerlain perfume

   • I love L'Heure Bleue
   • A tribute to French perfume
   • Personal preferences and public considerations

2. Supporting British brands

   • Use of British brands such as Penhaligon's
   • Awarded the Royal Warrant
   • Supporting domestic industries

Other European Royal Families

Austria-Hungary

Empress Elisabeth (Sissi, 1837-1898)

The Empress, who was famous for her beauty, had a deep preference for perfume.

The relationship between beauty and fragrance

• I love the violet scent
• Combining beauty and fragrance
• Use of Hungarian Water

Russian Empire

The scent culture of the Romanov dynasty

The Russian Imperial family had a unique aesthetic sense that combined the fragrance cultures of the East and West.

Use of distinctive scents

1. Oriental fragrance

   • Importing fragrances from Asia
   • A deep and mysterious fragrance
   • Ceremonial use at the imperial court

2. Empress Alexandra's preferences

   • Rose and Jasmine Lover
   • A fascination with French perfume
   • Luxurious fragrance culture before the revolution

The World of Royal Perfumers

French Royal Perfumers

Jean-Louis Fargeon (1748-1806)

He served as Marie Antoinette's personal perfumer.

Achievements and influence

• Creating a fragrance exclusively for the Queen
• The perfumer who survived the revolution
• Laying the foundations of modern perfume culture

Pierre François Pascal Guerin (1798-1864)

As the founder of Guerlain, he established deep ties with the royal family.

British perfumers

Floris (founded in 1730)

A long-established perfume shop with a long history of ties to the British Royal Family.

Royal connections

• Holds multiple royal warrants
• Offering traditional British flavours
• Continuing ties to the royal family

Modern royalty and perfume

Modern royal perfume choices

Modern-day members of the royal family continue to have an interest in perfume:

Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

• A contemporary and sophisticated selection of fragrances
• Use sparingly in public
• Supporting British brands

Other members of the royal family

• Searching for a unique scent
• Private perfume lover
• The use of fragrance in fashion

Royals and the perfume industry today

Royal Warrant

• Value as quality assurance
• Improve brand image
• A symbol of tradition and trust

Contemporary challenges

• Privacy is important
• Balance with commercialization
• Sustainability in mind

The Japanese Imperial Family and the Culture of Fragrance

Japan's unique fragrance culture

The Japanese Imperial Family also has its own unique fragrance culture:

Relationship with Kodo

• Connection with Gagaku
• Seasonal scents
• Use that values ​​spirituality

The relationship between Ranjatai and the Imperial Family

The name of our brand's Ranjatai Eau de Parfum, "Ranjatai," also has a deep connection to Japanese Imperial culture:

• Value as Shosoin treasures
• Historical ties with the Imperial Family
• A symbol of Japanese fragrance culture

Learn more about Ranjatai Eau de Parfum

Summary: The legacy of perfume culture built by the royal family

The influence of European royalty on perfume culture is immeasurable:

Royal contributions

1. The development of the perfume industry
   • Supporting perfumers as patrons
   • Creating demand for high-quality perfumes
   • Driving force of technological innovation
2. Establishing cultural values
   • Perfume Artistic Recognition
   • Improving social status
   • Promoting international cultural exchange
3. Present-day succession
   • Establishment of the Royal Warrant System
   • Setting quality standards
   • Preserving traditional values

Lessons for today

What we can learn from royal perfume culture:

• Uncompromising pursuit of quality
• Balancing individuality and dignity
• A balance between tradition and innovation
• The Importance of Cultural Values

The Future of Perfume Culture

The royal perfume tradition continues to this day:

• Luxury Perfume Market Indicators
• Quality Assurance Standards
• Preserving cultural values
• The development of international perfume culture

continues to have an impact on

The passion and curiosity for fragrance of royalty and nobility is the source of the richness of modern perfume culture. By understanding the traditions they established, you can appreciate the true value and beauty of perfume more deeply.

Related articles

• From Ancient Egypt to the Present: The History and Cultural Changes of Perfume - A detailed explanation of the historical background of perfume
• Famous Perfumers: The Greats Who Changed the World of Fragrance - A detailed look at perfumers who served the royal family