Kate Middleton’s fashion and beauty draw worldwide attention. I often get asked what perfume Kate Middleton wears; this article covers her Wedding perfume, dupes and alternatives for it, and her everyday perfume.
What perfume does Catherine, The Princess of Wales wear?
I understand that lots of people have asked Kate Middleton what perfume she wears when they’ve met her, and the answer has always been the same; Jo Malone London Orange Blossom. The Princess of Wales (formerly the Duchess of Cornwall) is a big supporter of British brands, with dresses she wears able to sell out in minutes. Ironically, Jo Malone London isn’t actually British anymore, with Jo Malone selling the company to Estée Lauder a while go. Jo Malone now has a new fragrance brand called Jo Loves (available in the UK and world-wide).
Kate’s fragrance of choice, Jo Malone London Orange Blossom is a classic Orange Blossom perfume as you’d expect with a name like that. In the past ten years or so I’ve seen Orange Blossom used more and more in popular fragrances; its modern, fresh and slightly green. I have an article on how Orange Blossom perfumes are made and the best Orange Blossom perfumes (including ones more affordable than Jo Malone London’s) so check it out for more information on this fragrance note.
I understand that Kate Middleton also used Jo Malone candles at her wedding, particularly the Orange Blossom one. I imagine Westminster Abbey smelt beautiful!
What perfume did Kate Middleton wear on her Wedding Day?
On Kate Middleton’s Wedding Day to Prince William, she wore a perfume called White Gardenia Petals by niche UK fragrance brand Illuminum. As the name suggestions, this is a delicate Gardenia fragrance, it also has a lot of Lil-of-the-valley in it, alongside a citrus opening note. Unfortunately, its very hard to come by and so I have a number of recommendations for fragrances which smell very similar.
Giorgio Armani Light di Gioia
Giorgio Armani Gioia range of fragrances are light and refreshing. Light di Gioia is a gorgeous Gardenia fragrance with a citrus opening note, just like the Illuminum.
In the UK Giorgio Armani Light di Gioia is exclusive to The Fragrance Shop, it can also be found at Notino in the UK & Europe. In the US its available at Sephora and Armani’s website.
Florence Tocca
Tocca is a niche fragrance brand based in the United States. Tocca Florence Eau de Parfum has a Bergamot, Apple and Pear opening note which has the same freshness as Illuminum White Gardenia Petals. Gardenia and white floral heart notes complete the fragrance. Florence is delicate and classy, a perfect alternative to Kate’s Illuminum.
Annick Goutal Un Matin d’Orage
Annick Goutal is a niche French fragrance house who produce lots of ‘green’ perfumes. Un Matin d’Orage brings out the green stem of the Gardenia plant alongside an Amalfi Lemon opening note. It’s slightly greener than Illuminum White Gardenia Petals, but overall its very similar.
Penhaligon’s Lily Of The Valley
Penhaligon’s Lily Of The Valley, as the name suggests, captures the Lily Of The Valley note from Illuminum White Gardenia Petals. It’s primarily a Lily of The Valley fragrance as you’d expect, there is also Oakmoss and Geranium in the base, alongside a citrus opening note.
