In 1939, Prince Matchabelli launched a fragrance named Princess of Wales, a title that was not chosen lightly. The name itself carries significant historical and emotional weight, evoking images of British royalty and elegance. The title "Princess of Wales" traditionally refers to the wife of the heir apparent to the British throne, a position of high prestige and public admiration. By naming the fragrance Princess of Wales, Prince Matchabelli sought to associate the perfume with the grace, beauty, and regal aura that the title embodies.
Princess of Wales was dedicated to Queen Alexandra, the beautiful and beloved wife of King Edward VII, who held the title Princess of Wales from 1863 until her husband’s accession to the throne in 1901. Queen Alexandra was renowned for her beauty, fashion sense, and charitable work, becoming a cultural icon of her time. Her popularity and influence extended beyond the United Kingdom, making her an ideal muse for a fragrance intended to capture the elegance and sophistication of a bygone era.
Alexandra was celebrated for her delicate, refined style, often setting trends that were emulated by women across Europe. Her ability to balance royal duties with a sense of personal grace made her an enduring figure in British history. By dedicating Princess of Wales to Queen Alexandra, Prince Matchabelli tapped into a rich vein of historical significance, linking the perfume to an era of opulence and elegance that many women of the 1930s would have admired.
