The Royal Cathay Legacy
From Imperial Sanctuary to Global Treasure
Ancient Origins
In the year 1759, when the grandeur of the inner court dazzled all who beheld it, reigning Emperor Qianlong saw fit to establish the Imperial Tea House within its cloistered chambers. It was a temple dedicated solely to the pleasures of the royal family, a sanctuary where tea flowed like liquid gold. And thus, nestled in the Forbidden City itself, Royal Cathay was born, an empire within an empire, where the finest leaves were savored only by the chosen few.
Emperor Qianlong's heart belonged to his beloved, named Empress Xiaoxianchun, a woman of pure grace and discernment. She, in turn, recommended her nephew, Fucha Huilun, to preside over the Imperial Tea House. The emperor, ever attentive to his beloved's counsel, anointed Fucha Huilun as the Chief Tea Minister, bestowing upon him the authority to scour the realm in search of the rarest teas fit only for the royal palate.
Emperor Qianlong
Fucha Huilun, a name that echoed through the Qing Dynasty, rose to prominence, donning the mantle of a renowned General, adorned with the title of Duke, and holding the esteemed position of a Secondary-Rank Official. Royal Cathay, under his watchful eye, became a symbol of opulence, a treasure reserved exclusively for the royal court.
But fate has a way of reshaping empires. In 1861, the Qing Dynasty, humbled by the bitter taste of defeat in two Opium Wars, sought to forge new alliances. Royal Cathay, the emblem of imperial privilege, underwent a major transformation, embracing its crucial new role as a diplomatic gift. Foreign monarchs, including Queen Victoria of England, King Leopold II of Belgium, and King Wilhelm I of Prussia, were bestowed the coveted tea, a gesture of goodwill from the Middle Kingdom.
Empress Xiaoxianchun
The Fucha family, their contributions lauded in both commerce and diplomacy, were honored with the Imperial Order of the Double Dragon, First Class, by Emperor Guangxu in 1908. And so, for 153 years, they faithfully served the Qing Dynasty, presenting their finest teas to the court until 1912, when the last emperor, Aisin-Gioro Puyi, bade farewell to his throne. Yet, even in the twilight of imperial rule, Royal Cathay endured, a symbol of tradition, a whisper of the past.
Then came the tempest of 1937, the Second World War descending upon China's shores. The descendants of the Fucha family bore witness to the ravages of conflict, their numbers diminished, their lives forever altered. Amidst the chaos, only a handful found solace in the refuge of London, while the cultivation of tea withered in the shadow of war's relentless advance.
Brand Rebirth in London
But from the ashes, a phoenix would rise. In 1945, as the cannons fell silent, the seventh-generation Fucha descendants made a bold choice. From its new London base, Royal Cathay was unleashed upon the world, no longer a symbol of privilege or diplomacy, but a beacon of the finest and rarest teas known to man.
Fucha Huilun
Today, a tea sage named Dr. Fu Len, the eighth-generation heir, continues to explore the mist-shrouded mountains of the world. A guardian of taste, he labors tirelessly, ensuring that the legacy of Royal Cathay endures. A man of few words, he possesses an innate ability to listen intently, his silence speaking volumes.
Dr. Fu's nomadic past has shaped him into a man of deep empathy, understanding the tapestry of human emotions and the interconnectedness of cultures. Through his unwavering dedication to preserving the legacy of Royal Cathay, he radiates a sense of steadfast commitment and a profound reverence for the art of tea. At 83, he still bears the mantle of Chief Quality Officer, a steadfast sentinel overseeing the commitment to excellence that has spanned 260 years.
Acquired by SRG
The Imperial Tea House
Old Summer Palace
In 2023, the winds of change swept across Royal Cathay's horizon. The South River Group from Singapore breathed new life into the ancient brand. International waters beckoned, and Royal Cathay embarked on a journey of global reach.
Royal Cathay, a tale spun in threads of rarity and craftsmanship, woven through time. It is a symphony of flavors, a dance of aromas, whispered secrets passed down through generations. With each sip, one embarks on a voyage that transcends borders, an encounter with the essence of emperors, and a celebration of the world's finest and rarest teas.
1759 Classic Series
The 1759 Classic Series offers a curated collection of exquisite teas, each crafted to embody the rich heritage and timeless elegance of Royal Cathay.
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