Why the royal family never use scented candles – and what they use instead

While you may feel that scented candles will give your home an added touch of luxury, they are one thing you won’t find at Buckingham Palace or any of the other royal residences. In fact, the royal family have a rather strict no-scented-candle policy.

Revealing just why this is, spoke with former Buckingham Palace staff member Anne Simmons, 57, from Berkshire, who shared that the royals have banned these candles from their residences due to concerns over air quality and toxicity. She said: “Many people don’t realize that scented candles release toxins into the air. In a place like Buckingham Palace, where air quality is strictly controlled, they are completely off-limits.”

Many scented candles contain paraffin wax, synthetic fragrances, and chemical stabilizers, meaning that when burned, they release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene – chemicals linked to respiratory issues, headaches, and poor indoor air quality.

Instead of these synthetic fragrances, Buckingham Palace uses natural alternatives that will leave rooms smelling delightful without any added toxins.

Anne added: “The Royal Family is very particular about maintaining a clean and healthy environment. They avoid anything that could introduce unnecessary pollutants into the air.”

What do the Royals use instead?

Essential oil diffusers

The first alternative shared by Anne is essential oil diffusers, which release natural plant-based aromas with the added smoke or toxins that candles can bring along. They also have the added benefit of lasting much longer than candles.

Fresh flowers in every room

“The Palace always smells beautiful, but it’s because of real flowers, not artificial perfumes,” Anne says, adding that using fresh floral arrangements is one of the royal family’s most timeless traditions. These arrangements often feature lilies, roses, and gardenia, which naturally perfume the air.

Herb and citrus sachets in linen and wardrobes

While very few of us will ever make use of the wardrobes and linen at Buckingham Palace, those that do can rest assured that even these have been scented with natural fragrances.

For this, Anne reveals that the Royal Household typically used handmade sachets of dried herbs, citrus peels, and lavender in wardrobes, drawers, and linen closets.

She added: “This is an old trick used in the Royal Family for generations. It keeps clothes and linens fresh without artificial sprays.”

Beeswax candles (on special occasions)

While scented candles are banned, Anne shares that the royals do occasionally use pure beeswax candles for added ambiance – but only for lighting, never for fragrance.