Tea time is a quintessentially British tradition, and it's no surprise that the royal family has played a significant role in its history. In this blog post, we'll explore the fascinating history of the royal family and tea time.

Tea Time Through the Ages

Tea was first introduced to Britain in the mid-17th century, but it wasn't until the 18th century that it became a popular beverage. The wealthy elite would gather in the afternoon to enjoy tea and light refreshments, which became known as "afternoon tea." It was during this time that the custom of serving tea with milk and sugar also became popular.

The royal family played a significant role in popularizing tea time. Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901, was a big fan of afternoon tea and would often invite friends and family to join her. She also had a special tea blend made for her, which became known as "Victoria tea."

In the early 20th century, tea time became a more formal affair. It was common for women to change into elegant dresses and gloves for afternoon tea, and elaborate tea sets and silverware were used. The royal family continued to lead the way in this tradition, with Queen Elizabeth II regularly hosting tea parties at Buckingham Palace.

The Royal Family and Tea Time Today

Tea time remains an important tradition in the royal family today. Queen Elizabeth II was known to enjoy a cup of Earl Grey tea in the morning, while King Charles is a fan of Darjeeling tea. The royal family also hosts an annual garden party at Buckingham Palace, where guests are treated to tea, sandwiches, and cakes.

The royal family has also been known to share their love of tea with the public. In 2018, King Charles collaborated with the luxury tea brand Fortnum & Mason to create a special tea blend in honor of his 70th birthday. The tea, which is called "The Prince of Wales Blend," features ingredients sourced from the Prince's Highgrove Estate.

The royal family and their love for tea - it's a match made in heaven! It seems like every member of the family has their own favorite blend, and we're here to spill the tea on what they like to sip on. So grab a cuppa and settle in for some British humor as we explore the favorite teas of the royal family.

Queen Elizabeth II and Her Earl Grey

Let's start with Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty is said to have enjoyed a cup of Earl Grey tea in the morning. Now, we're not sure if it's the citrusy notes of bergamot that she loved or just the fact that the tea has "earl" in its name (because who doesn't love a good pun?), but either way, we think it's a royal choice.

King Charles and His Darjeeling

Next up is King Charles, who is a fan of Darjeeling tea. We can just picture him sitting in his garden, sipping on a delicate cup of this Indian tea and contemplating the state of the world. After all, the King is known for his environmental activism, and Darjeeling tea is often grown using sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

Kate Middleton and Her Earl Grey with Honey

The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, is said to enjoy a cup of Earl Grey with a bit of honey. We're not sure if this is a nod to her husband's sweet nature or if she just has a bit of a sweet tooth, but either way, we approve. Plus, the addition of honey adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the delicate flavor of the Earl Grey.

Prince William and His English Breakfast

Speaking of Kate's husband, Prince William is reportedly a fan of English Breakfast tea. We can just picture him drinking it out of a "World's Best Dad" mug while chasing after Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Because even royalty need a little caffeine boost when they're chasing after toddlers!

Prince Harry and His Ginger Tea

Last but not least, we have the rebellious prince himself, Prince Harry. The Duke of Sussex is said to enjoy ginger tea, which makes sense given his love of all things spicy. We can just imagine him sipping on a steaming cup of ginger tea while watching a rugby match or cracking jokes with his friends.

There you have it - the favorite teas of the royal family, served up with a side of British humor. Whether you prefer a classic cup of Earl Grey or something a bit more exotic like ginger tea, we think it's safe to say that there's a tea out there for everyone. So the next time you're feeling a bit peckish, why not channel your inner royal and pour yourself a cuppa? Cheers, darlings!