HIGHGROVE MELODY

A brief review of five fragrances that explore woody notes, from Cedar to Oud, Patchouli and Oak

Penhaligon’s Highgrove Bouquet is a new eau de parfum inspired by and created with King Charles III, as a tribute to the magnificently fragrant summers at his residence, Highgrove Gardens. The result of Penhaligon’s unique collaboration with The Prince’s Foundation, the fragrance is as natural as it is elegant as it is warm.

In the Summer, between July and August, the weeping silver lime (Tilla Petiolaris) blossoms and fills the air. Highgrove Gardens is decorated with these elegant deciduous trees, with their silver-lined heart-shaped leaves, and flecked with yellow sprays of flowers that delicately perfume the air. Not just outside, on the grounds, but also inside the House.

When the days are warm, and the windows open, the rooms are filled with what can only be described as the smell of earthly sunshine. Created in close collaboration with The Prince’s Foundation, Penhaligon’s new fragrance, the Eau de Parfum Highgrove Bouquet seeks to capture the essence of these summer days.

A fragrance that is as uplifting as it is sun-filled and radiant. It opens with a crisp, confident burst of warm energy, with vibrant lavender and geranium. As floral, powdery notes appear, a shroud of delicate yellow blossoms seems to fill the air, and to the mimosa, tuberose brings longevity and depth, a solar storm of rich delight. The restful, soothing base is a blend of elegance and sophistication from cedar woods and orris.

This fragrance has a charitable side as well, given its links to The Prince’s Foundation. Ten per cent of the proceeds of the fragrance will raise money in support of the charitable foundation. Ten per cent of proceeds will help fund the charity’s training and education programmes for thousands of pupils and students each year, including those in heritage crafts, traditional arts, horticulture, fashion and textiles, and sustainable food and farming.

In line with King Charles’ environmental vision, this project has been developed in a way that is mindful of the need to respect the planet, replacing plastic with “100% recycled and recyclable paper” and sugar cane eco-foam. Printing is done using all organic ink, free of mineral oils.