‘We do not know who the elusive Rita was, Octavian Coifan speculates that she may be inspired by the opera of Gaetano Donizetti called Rita (Rita ou le Mari Battu) written in 1841 and presented in 1860 at Opéra Comique in Paris…Guerlain had a habit of creating bespoke fragrances for the wealthy and aristocratic. I believe that the perfume is named after Margherita “Rita” of Savoy (1851 – 1926), who was the Queen consort of the Kingdom of Italy during the reign (1878–1900) of her husband, Umberto I. In 1893, Guerlain trademarked the name “Regina Margherita,” Queen Margherita.’ – Guerlain Perfumes (Blogger)