Common Beliefs about the Origin of British Royalty’s Tea Culture in the 17th Century

This study critically examines commonly held beliefs regarding the origin of tea culture in the British royal court. The results are as follows. First, awareness of tea in England began in the early 1600s, and by the 1650s, tea was consumed by certain social groups. The first documented royal offering of tea dates to 1660, indicating its presence before the arrival of Catherine of Branganza. Second, tea import volumes remained minimal until the late 17th century. Significant growth occurred only after 1685, coinciding with renewed trade with Qing China. This suggests the spread of tea culture was influenced more by external trade factors than by individual agency. Third, no primary sources substantiate Catherine’s leading role in popularizing tea. Most narratives emerged in the 19th century and were based on literary embellishment rather than historical fact. In conclusion, the establishment of tea culture in Britain is better understood as the result of complex factors—international trade, social trends, and cultural discourse —rather than the influence of a single royal figure.