Wellington’s Havana Coffee Works welcomed royalty this week when Princess Anne stopped by during her New Zealand visit to roast some beans for a good cause.

One of only two 500gm bags of coffee Princess Anne roasted herself is being auctioned off in order to raise funds for the Cyclone Gabrielle’s recovery efforts. The auction winner will also get a tour of a roastery fit for a princess along with a goodie bag from Havana.

Her Royal Highness’ recipe is a complex mix, according to Stefan Gray, GM at Havana Coffee Works, who described it as robust and rich with notes of dark caramel and European chocolate. As the roastery produced more beans to her blend, the royal mix is now available online and in Havana’s roasteries, with all proceeds going to the Red Cross.

“We hosted Her Royal Highness on a tour of the Wellington roastery, and it became obvious she knew how to make an excellent cup of coffee,” said Gray.

“But more than that, she had an extensive knowledge of coffee. After a brief demonstration by our Master Roaster Joe Stoddart, she personally roasted her own unique blend to take home with her to England.”

The auction for the 500gm bag of coffee is currently running on TradeMe.

Further reading: Wellington’s Havana Coffee Works Roastery opens in Auckland