Here at Twist HQ – like so many others across the UK and beyond – we were delighted to welcome the arrival of Master Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, Prince Harry and Meghan’s little boy.
And, with the Royal Family back in the spotlight, we thought it would be a good opportunity to launch our delicious ‘Royal Tea’ blend, created at the personal request of HRH Princess Michael of Kent, and share how it came about.
It’s a long story, but it starts with us sending some samples of our tea to a number of publishers and broadcasters in London, in the hope that they’d like them and mention them to their readers. Luckily, they pretty much all did.
The editor of one magazine we approached was SO impressed that he went on a bit of a crusade on our behalf. He just happened to be an acquaintance of Princess Michael of Kent – it’s fairly standard to have members of the royal family on speed dial, right? – and said:
“Ooh, I’ll tell you what, that Princess Michael of Kent loves her tea. Can’t get enough of it. How’s about I take her some to try, see if she likes it?”
(Or words to that effect. He’s a top journo so writes much better than this, obvs.)
He does.. and she does. Next thing we know, we’ve been summonsed to Kensington Palace to give her a proper tea tasting. We put on our finery, get our hair done, practice our curtsying and bowing and there we are, in a beautiful drawing room, talking through some of our collection. We were absolutely delighted that she really loved what she tasted – so much so that she decided to serve them at a garden party last summer.
During our discussion, we asked her what scents and flavours she liked, and it turns out she’s a big fan of rose and cinnamon. She asked if we could create a blend that combined the too, and we duly did. What else could we call it but Royal Tea?
Initially, we only created a small batch, and have been sending samples to members of our Tea Club or to a handful of the hotels, cafes and restaurants we supply. But, feedback has been so good so we’ve ramped up production and added it to our range. It’s a caffeine-free fruity and floral blend that includes pear and apple, orange peel and hibiscus as in addition to the Princess’s favourites, rose and cinnamon. Why not try some and see if you like it; you’ll be moving in lofty circles if you do!
