Bermuda and Royall History Intertwined
Spaniard Juan de Bermudez discovered the 300-island archipelago of Bermuda, 600 miles east of the Carolinas, in 1511. Many years later, when the British began settlement of this island, did they know what they had found? Most probably yes, because the imagery of treasure has been associated with the island going back to colonial times.
Bermuda - The “Jewel in the Atlantic”
Bermuda has been called a “jewel in the Atlantic”, its elliptical island chain has been repeatedly referred to as a “string of pearls.” So, yes it is a treasure, but why? Because it is a semi-tropical paradise where there is romance, adventure, history, culture, civility, excitement, an Anglo-African heritage, not to mention pristine beaches, pink sand, turquoise seas, iridescent lagoons, verdant landscapes, candy-colored homes, breath-taking sunrises, fabulous sunsets, and brilliant, aromatic flora.
No wonder Mark Twain wrote, “You go to heaven if you want-I’d rather go to Bermuda.” So many more have followed, from Eleanor Roosevelt and Eugene O’Neill to Michael Douglas and David Bowie. Fifty years ago Mr. Anthony Gaade, founder and first president of The Royall Family of Fragrances felt the need to capture the essence and spirit of Bermuda in a fragrance line of aromatic products to share with the island and the rest of the world.
Anthony J. Gaade
And so it was that Mr. Gaade, a renowned Bermudian yachtsman and competitor in international races; through vision and tenacity, brought the very first Royall fragrance to market in 1957.
Royall Lyme fragrance is made from the plumpest freshest, native West Indian limes. It is nurtured and washed by pure island rains in a recipe that traces its origins to a very old Caribbean formula obtained from Harbor Islanders. The secret formula of rare essences has a total of 78 ingredients. The resulting Royall Lyme is cool, zestful and refreshing, as perfect for the work place as it is for play.
Royall Lyme, an instant success
Royall Lyme, was heartily endorsed by former Bermuda Governor, Sir Edwin Leather and was presented to the British Royal Family on their last official visit to Bermuda.
In 1960, when Royall Lyme was introduced at Brooks Brothers New York, it was an unqualified smash hit. The fragrance is still sold there today. Not long after, Royall Lyme went international to London, Milan, and beyond.
Following Royall Lyme, Mr. Gaade created other fragrances which capture the essence of Bermuda. Royall Spyce, Royall Bay Rhum and Royall Muske. The Royall Mandarin fragrance joined the other successful family scents in 2001 followed by Royall Vetiver in 2006 and finally Royall Rugby in 2011.
Royall Fragrances
Even Mr. Gaade’s original packaging for the Royall Family of fragrance reveals his desire to keep the Bermuda theme. The handsome packaging is reminiscent of the Bermuda of old. The bottles are of semi-hand-made glass from original clay molds with antimonial pewter-colored lead crown caps. Molded on each bottle is a crown and lime cluster with the words ‘ROYALL LYME’ and on the bottom of the bottle ‘ROYALL LYME LIMITED’. Each bottle has the fragrance name and crown in raised glass on the back, with a distinctive colored labels on the front.
Each fragrance bottle is individually wrapped in fine parchment with a crown wax seal. These seals are made with the same wax used by the Bank of England. Quality standards of care and attention to detail are found in every piece.
Mr. Gaade's vision becomes a reality
Mr. Gaade’s original vision is today a reality. The essence and spirit of Bermuda, sparkling jewel and garden paradise, reside in every Royall product. Mr.Gaade says, “In the Royall Family Fragrance, we believe we have a truly unique range of prestigious gentlemen’s toiletries and grooming aids directed to the discerning user and carrying the Bermuda message overseas.”
