Royalty & Their Signature Scents: What Kings & Queens Used to Wear
For centuries, kings and queens have used fragrances as a symbol of power, status, and divinity. From ancient Egyptian pharaohs to European monarchs, perfumes made from the rarest and most luxurious ingredients were reserved for royalty.
But what exactly did they wear? Let’s explore the rich, exotic, and timeless ingredients that made royal perfumes so special.
1. The Power of Scent in Royal History
For many civilizations, perfumes were more than just a pleasant aroma, they were a statement of wealth, influence, and spirituality.
● Ancient Egyptian rulers believed certain scents had divine properties, using them in religious rituals.
● Medieval European kings and queens used fragrances to signify nobility and mask odors before modern hygiene.
● Middle Eastern sultans and emperors cherished rare resins and woods like oud and frankincense, known for their opulent and long-lasting aromas.
The ingredients in royal fragrances were carefully chosen for their rarity, richness, and unique ability to leave a lasting impression.
2. Luxurious Ingredients Used in Royal Perfumes
A. Oud – The Scent of Kings
✔ Used by: Middle Eastern and Indian royalty
✔ Why? Known as liquid gold, oud is one of the rarest and most expensive fragrance ingredients in the world.
✔ Scent Profile: Deep, smoky, woody, and slightly sweet.
✔ Significance: Symbolized wealth, spiritual connection, and power.
Historical Use:
Oud was highly favored by Ottoman Sultans and Mughal emperors, often burned as incense or used in oil-based perfumes.
B. Rose – The Queen of Flowers
✔ Used by: European queens, Indian Maharani, and Persian empresses
✔ Why? Roses were considered a symbol of femininity, love, and luxury.
✔ Scent Profile: Fresh, floral, velvety, and romantic.
✔ Significance: Used in royal baths, ceremonies, and signature perfumes.
Historical Use:
● Cleopatra of Egypt was known to bathe in rose-infused waters to seduce powerful rulers.
● Marie Antoinette of France adored rose-based fragrances blended with musk and jasmine.
C. Ambergris – The Ocean’s Treasure
✔ Used by: European and Arabian royalty
✔ Why? A rare, waxy substance from sperm whales, used as a natural fixative to enhance longevity.
✔ Scent Profile: Warm, musky, slightly sweet, and earthy.
✔ Significance: Reserved for elite perfumes due to its scarcity.
Historical Use:
King Louis XIV of France was known for wearing perfumes enriched with ambergris, which made scents last for hours.
D. Frankincense & Myrrh – Scents of the Gods
✔ Used by: Egyptian pharaohs, Middle Eastern sultans, and European royalty
✔ Why? These resins were valued for their spiritual significance, medicinal properties, and unique scent.
✔ Scent Profile: Smoky, balsamic, resinous, and slightly spicy.
✔ Significance: Used in temples, royal palaces, and high-end perfumes.
Historical Use:
● King Tutankhamun’s tomb was found filled with frankincense and myrrh, meant to accompany him to the afterlife.
● The Three Wise Men gifted frankincense and myrrh to baby Jesus, signifying divine and royal blessings.
E. Musk – The Essence of Power
✔ Used by: Persian, Indian, and European nobility
✔ Why? Derived from the musk deer, this rare ingredient was known for its deep, animalic warmth.
✔ Scent Profile: Sensual, rich, and long-lasting.
✔ Significance: Used in aphrodisiac perfumes and royal ceremonies.
Historical Use:
● Mughal emperors used musk-infused oils to create an air of royal magnetism.
● French King Louis XV's court was so heavily perfumed with musk-based scents that it was nicknamed “La Cour Parfumée”.
F. Sandalwood – The Royal Wood
✔ Used by: Indian Maharajas, Chinese emperors, and Arabian sultans
✔ Why? Sandalwood’s smooth, creamy aroma is both grounding and luxurious.
✔ Scent Profile: Woody, soft, slightly sweet, and meditative.
✔ Significance: Used in rituals, spiritual practices, and royal perfumes.
Historical Use:
● Indian Maharajas burned sandalwood incense in their palaces to create a sense of peace and opulence.
● Chinese emperors blended sandalwood with floral oils to create unique royal fragrances.
3. How to Wear Royal-Inspired Fragrances Today
Want to channel royalty through scent? Look for perfumes with these rich, long-lasting ingredients:
✔ For a regal, commanding presence: Oud, musk, and ambergris.
✔ For elegance and femininity: Rose, jasmine, and sandalwood.
✔ For a mysterious, exotic vibe: Frankincense, myrrh, and spicy notes.
How to Apply Like Royalty:
● Layering: Apply scented oils before using perfume for extra depth.
● Pulse Points: Dab perfume on wrists, neck, behind ears, and inner elbows.
● Hair & Clothing: Lightly mist fragrance onto hair and fabric for long-lasting presence.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Royal Scents
The world’s most powerful rulers understood the art of fragrance. From the rich oud of Arabian sultans to the velvety roses of European queens, these ingredients were more than just scents. They were symbols of status, love, and spirituality.
Even today, perfumes continue to evoke a sense of grandeur and timeless elegance, allowing us to experience a touch of royalty with every spray.