In a groundbreaking (and thoroughly steeped) revelation, the British Museum announced yesterday that tea, the nation’s beloved beverage, was actually invented in space by a race of caffeine-craving aliens known as the Tea’leons.

Dr. Euphemia Chatterley, lead curator of Extraterrestrial Artifacts and Occasional Biscuit Consultant, revealed that newly uncovered cosmic hieroglyphics depict strange beings sipping steaming cups of what appears to be Earl Grey while orbiting a distant star. "It turns out the first tea bags were actually made from cosmic dust and moonbeam leaves," she explained, adjusting her monocle with stellar precision.

When asked about the implications for British tea culture, Dr. Chatterley laughed, "We always suspected it was otherworldly, especially after that first cup of Yorkshire Tea at 7 a.m. It's no surprise aliens wanted to invent something strong enough to power their space shuttles and sophisticated small talk."

Meanwhile, the Royal Tea Society issued a statement proposing a new honorary title: "Intergalactic Tea Ambassador," hoping to strengthen diplomatic relations with any visiting Tea’leons. The society also hinted at plans to launch "Tea in Space" kits, complete with zero-gravity teapots and biscuits that don’t crumble mid-orbit.

As for the Tea’leons, their spokesperson communicated via a holographic teacup, saying, "We come in peace, and with plenty of sugar. Next mission: to discover the secrets of the British biscuit." Until then, Earthlings can rest easy knowing that their beloved brew is truly out of this world.